October 15th follow-up

Philippians 1:12-30
“When we change our perspective”

Yesterday I talked about what changing our perspective can do when dealing with difficult situations. Perspective is the way we see something. We can’t control what comes our way, but we can control how we respond. How we respond, outwardly and inwardly, will be determined in large part by our perspective. The thing about perspective is that we can change our perspective.

Paul wrote Philippians while under house arrest in Rome. He was chained to a Roman soldier 24/7. He was faced with not knowing how long it would take for his case to be heard nor what the outcome would be. Many of those who were aware of Paul’s situation had a perspective that his imprisonment was hindering him from fulfilling his calling. No doubt they would have prayed that God would deliver so he could continue doing what God had called him to do.

Where they saw hindrances, Paul saw opportunities. Why, because Paul changed his perspective. By changing his perspective, not only was able to help the unsaved see the truth about Jesus. He was also able to help other believers see how their circumstances can be opportunities for God to manifest His power and love in their lives.

I don’t know what you might be dealing with, but I do know this. God is at work in your life whether you see it now or not. Don’t allow your circumstances to rob you of opportunities to minister to others and be an example to them.

Jon Courson years ago said the following:
One of the most important components in understanding joyful, successful Christianity is this: You cannot change your heart—but you can change your mind. Conversely, God can change your heart, but He won’t change your mind. Therefore, if I choose to change the way I think about a given situation, God will change my heart to follow suit. But if I do not choose to change my thoughts, God will not change my heart.

Go forth this week determined to change how you view things and then watch what God does.