Different Perspective

There are times when I keep looking at the situation the same way, no matter how many times I come back to it. However, a good friend or confidant might see things from a totally different perspective. I think it’s very wise to have multiple perspectives when dealing with a challenging situation that is way bigger than I can handle on my own.

Job has lost all his possessions, family and now his health. He is beyond distraught and He’s asked God to curse the day he was born. He has three “friends” who come to be with him during this very hard time. One of them attempts to give him a different perspective. Check this out…

2 ‘If someone ventures a word with you, will you be impatient?

    But who can keep from speaking?

3 Think how you have instructed many,

    how you have strengthened feeble hands.

4 Your words have supported those who stumbled;

    you have strengthened faltering knees.

5 But now trouble comes to you, and you are discouraged;

    it strikes you, and you are dismayed.

6 Should not your piety be your confidence

    and your blameless ways your hope? (Job 4:2-6 NIV)

I really need to see things from multiple angles when I can. It helps develop a healthier perspective of the issue at hand. This guy, Eliphaz the Temanite was reminding Job of what he had done in the past by helping others. In the middle of my struggle and pain, it is often difficult to have a different perspective, let alone several perspectives. I see perspective as a particular angle from which I see things.

I do think that when hearing different perspectives, we have to consider the journey of the friends who are sharing the different perspectives. There are times when my friend’s perspective may be skewed because they’ve been a life-long friend and can’t say what needs to be said. At other times, they speak into my life from their angle and it’s very sobering and spot on. I think that suffering and struggle can be used to bring glory and honor to God. He doesn’t leave me when I suffer and struggle. He is ALWAYS there to guard and guide my steps. The suffering sometimes screams so loud that I loose my memory of how powerful and protective the Lord is.

While I’m thankful for other perspective, I should pay closest attention to the Lord’s perspective. He knows what is best for me, because He built me. I want all that I am and all that I experience to bring honor to Him.

Pressing On!

Dwayne