PER·SPEC·TIVE
/p?r’spektiv/
noun: a particular attitude toward or way of regarding something; a point of view
The Lord’s been teaching me a lot about perspective lately.
What am I focusing on?
Do I have my eyes fixed on the Lord?
Am I too easily distracted by the storm?
It’s very difficult to gaze at the Father’s face, staring deeply and intently into His gentle eyes, when there is turmoil all around me. How do I rest in His peace and presence when it’s the trial that is making the most noise and demanding my attention? I’m no where near close to mastering this; however, the Lord continues to remind me that His promise is the primary thing that I should care about … not my circumstance. It’s because of these reminders that I often appear to have everything figured out and my life looks well put together (as well put together as you could expect for a jobless missionary). While I may not be in the middle of a full out storm, I will admit (for vulnerability’s sake) that I am experiencing a spiritual drought; which, if I’m honest, feels much like a full out storm to me!
For some reason, ever since I’ve been home from the Race I’ve felt a little more disconnected from God than usual, but I can’t understand why. It’s almost as if He’s gone silent. I’ve been a little gun shy in admitting this openly, for fear that I’ll be judged or that I’ll get feedback much like Job’s friends.
It’s a little ironic (and very timely) that I began reading the book of Job right before I came back to the states, for no reason other than the fact that I decided to read the entire bible in chronological order. This particular book has been difficult for me to read to completion because (a) it was boring to me, (b) I already knew the story, and (c) I didn’t find it relevant (at the time). Yet, here I am almost 3 months later, still reading the book of Job (I’m a slow reader), and suddenly it becomes exactly what I need.
I understand that I’m not experiencing the same type of trial that Job did, but God has been using Job’s story to teach me how to see my current circumstances through a different lens! As I read the commentary for one of the passages, I realized that there is purpose in everything, even in my season of drought.
“Job’s profound speech illustrates a great truth, to have a right set of doctrines is not enough. Truth untested by life’s experiences may become static & stagnant. Suffering can bring a dynamic quality to life. Just as drought drives the roots of a tree deeper to find water, so suffering can drive us beyond superficial acceptance of truth to dependence on God for hope and life”
For much of my life, including my time on the Race, I have been building a foundation on Christ. I’ve accepted him as my Lord and Saviour and committed to learning and believing His word. I have no doubt that the Word of God is the Truth and am fairly confident that I follow the “right set of doctrines”. But at some point my perspective must be tested. At some point, the Lord requires a deeper knowledge of Him; deeper than simply what I’ve read or what I’ve been taught, because in Christ there is always MORE. God is taking me beyond a superficial acceptance of truth. My drought has purpose, to drive my roots deeper in Christ, who is my source of hope and life. My perspective doesn’t change my circumstance, nor does it negate the fact that I may be going through a rough patch; but it does help me to see things more clearly, to press deeper into the Lord for strength and intimacy, to cling tightly to the promises that He has made me, and to navigate through this season with confidence – knowing that it has the potential of being the most refreshing drought that I’ve ever experienced.
If you’re going through a dry season spiritually or a very real & obvious physical storm, I encourage you to ask God how He wants to use your situation to bring Him Glory and help you grow. Drive your roots deeper into the soil of our loving Father and allow Him to take you to a deeper level of brokenness & dependence on Him! This doesn’t mean that God is responsible for your pain, but if you let Him, He can be responsible for your hope, joy, & peace in the midst of it. Be Blessed!
