It was the poet Robert Burns who wished for humanity the power to see ourselves
as others see us. What insights would come to us! But what if we could see our
lives as God does?
If we could see as God sees, we would know that most of our fears never
materialize. The majority of things most of us spend the bulk of our time
worrying over are never going to happen. So we waste energy and weaken ourselves
for today's task. Foresight and precaution are one thing, but worry is something
else again. "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry
about itself," said Jesus. "Each day has enough trouble of its own."
If we could see as God sees, we would realize that no problem that does arise is
without resolution. In our gloomier moments of illness, financial stress, or
personal problems, we muse over questions that seem to have no answers. But the
Bible still promises: "God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond
what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so
that you can stand up under it."
If we could see as God sees, we would understand that no problem comes without
an attached blessing. The good end of a painful beginning can seldom be known in
advance. So, in our anxiety, we tend to doubt that anything good can come from
heartache. "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many
kinds," said Jesus's half-brother, "because you know that the testing of your
faith develops perseverance."
If we could see as God sees, we would know that pain always signals the
possibility for growth. Although we sometimes sigh for a world free of
difficulties, we know deep inside that such a world would create cold and
unfeeling people. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later
on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have
been trained by it.
Through God's eyes, today may look very different from what you think you see.
As my friend put it last week: "God's peace is greater than your pain, and his
promise is greater than your loss." So trust the One with clearer vision.
Rubel Shelly The FAX of Life
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
everyone to look towards Jesus as the source of all the solutions to our
problems. It contains a daily inspirational story, a Bible verse and encouraging
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The Nugget: Published three times a week, this newsletter features inspirational devotionals and mini-sermons dedicated to drawing mankind closer to each other and to Christ.