Lifted Perspective

Psalm 121:7 (NKJV) The LORD shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul.

Walking my children to school one morning I was stopped in my tracks by a soaking wet ladybug! Yes, this little guy had been stopped in his tracks too it would seem, as the sprinklers had unexpectedly gone off as he was crossing the sidewalk! As I bent down to get a closer look at this ladybug, I could just imagine he was trying to gather himself (after such a torrential downpour) to begin again on his trek to the other side, where he could rest in the paradise of soft protective grass. All the raindrops on his back magnified his spots beautifully. Have you ever seen a sloppy ladybug spot?! Neither have I! Every spot is perfectly placed, planned for and purposed by our Creator God Himself! It was God’s love note to remind me that even in the unexpected “rainy” moments, days, seasons of life, we can still allow the goodness of our God to be magnified through us! 

The title deed to earth was handed over to Satan when we humans allowed sin to enter. However at the cross Jesus won it back for all eternity! At the right time all things will be made right again. Until that time we will face hardship and the temptation to fall away from the faith will constantly bombard us because Satan knows his time is short. Dear one, take a lifted perspective. Beat back the enemy by lifting your mind and heart from your current situation and circumstances, looking up to the cross which points to your overcoming victory and living hope through Jesus! 

Revelation is a book of hope; intense drama yes, but saturated with victory and hope for all who overcome through their faith in Jesus Christ! I believe chapter 4 comes before all the intense details of the drama to unfold at the end of time because chapter 4 establishes Who is, Who was and Who will always be on the throne victorious! It’s like God saying, it’s going to be wild but remember Who is on the throne, in control and victorious, and you will not be shaken. 

There will be things in this life we do not understand but our God is omniscient and knows and understands everything and everyone. It is the epitome of foolishness to disobey God or to think we know better. He is infinite and we possess a finite mind. We will not ever fully understand God or His ways but we can trust His character revealed in His Word, to be Who He says He is because He has never ever failed His Word, nor in faithfulness! 

Think of it like this, even if God were to try and explain Himself and all His ways to us it would be like us trying to explain who we are and why we do things to a ladybug! We could talk all day and night but that bug is just not going to be able to grasp or comprehend who we are as a human race! But God in His grace has given us His Word, He sent us Jesus, He has given us enough comprehension to know He is unchanging, never moody and always good. (In this ever changing, moody world where “good” is defined by every shade of gray, this news about our God is a much needed breath of fresh air!)

No matter how crazy “rainy” this life gets, do not let the things of this passing life shake you! Rather allow them to lift your perspective to heaven, to the One who can use this “rain” to magnify His reign, His overcoming hope filled victory for those who endure to the end! 

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV) The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen. 2 Timothy 4:18 (NIV) 

Lift your perspective to Jesus, your Truth, your Wisdom, your Sustainer and not only will you make it to your eternal home of paradise, but He will be magnified in the process. Thus encouraging many others on your path of influence to not give up on the journey either, dear one.