Articles
Perspective
“And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us” (Romans 3:3-5).
Isn’t life largely about perspective? If we see people and painful situations as threats, those threats imprison our hearts. We can languish for days, even weeks longing for the problems or people to just go away. We often end up frantically trying to get out any way we can.
Now, whether our problems are caused by our mistakes, sins of others, or natural disasters, our difficulties can also become opportunities to learn great life lessons–if we pay attention.
The words of Paul help us see that life challenges or issues of the heart can be great opportunities to learn something about our God, ourselves, and others.
We learn something about the love of God in difficult circumstances. We come to understand that God’s love never fails. He is our ally. He stands with us, by us and carries us. We come to understand how great He is. We are brought to bow before Him learning that He alone has the answers.
We learn how really small we are. We come to understand that we are not in control of anything. We learn that we need God, Who is mighty and awesome. We understand that this world is sin-stained, and so are we. We realize no matter how much money we have or how great our health we can be brought low at any moment. People we love can die. Wealth we cherish can disappear with the markets. We are nothing without God. We learn that He is everything.
We also learn that others can help and hurt. Sometimes even the best of intentions are expressed in hurtful ways. All of us can learn that lesson. People are a great gift and people can be a great curse. We learn that alone we will fall in a ditch without help, but where there are two or three, the others will pick us up. We all need someone who will stand with us and by us in the most trying times of life. We need someone who will not give up on us.
The aim of trails is not simply to survive, but to develop character and allow hope to grow. That hope will grow when the love of God is poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit.
