 Changing Our Perspective Challenges and problems aren’t fun. They’re hard. They discourage our heart and soul. They wear us down physically. We all face unique challenges, but they often bring the same responses: fear, discouragement, helplessness, and hopelessness. It’s one thing to be worn out physically; it’s another to be weary in heart and soul. I understand. I have been there many times! When facing challenges, I used to think, If I can just get past this problem, things will be better. I would push through one issue, only to see another on the horizon. Then I would be discouraged because I had hoped for a season with no problems. Maybe you can relate. A few years ago, I came across a Haitian proverb that God used to help change my perspective. This simple reminder has stayed with me: “Behind mountains are more mountains.” If my goal is to maintain the status quo or avoid problems, I’m setting myself up for disappointment. Life is full of challenges. I had to stop denying reality. Hoping for a problem-free future only leads to disillusionment. A realistic mindset prepares us for what’s ahead. Jesus reminded us of this same truth: “In the world you will have tribulation” (John 16:33). He was giving us the proper perspective for life so we set our expectations correctly. If I keep hoping for easy, I’ll keep getting discouraged. If I keep avoiding challenges, I’ll never grow stronger. But if I expect more mountains, I can pace myself and be prepared. I’ll be ready for the next climb. Changing Our Goal
Many times, the reason we view something as a problem is because of our goals. We want comfort. We want people to like us. We want to maintain the status quo. But if we can keep our eyes focused on the right goal, knowing Christ and making Him known, then many times, the things we thought were problems fade away. The circumstances may not change; you might still be facing challenges. But when you have a clear goal, you have a reason to push through the discomfort or problem. The destination makes it worth it! How goals affect our perspective really hit home for me in South Africa. Every summer we camped in the mountains, and it always rained. When you’re camping, the goal is simple: stay dry. So rain feels like the enemy. But one year my daughter Abby and I hiked to the top of Tugela Falls. It was cold, wet, and foggy, and we still kept going. We weren’t turning back unless there was a blizzard. Something surprised me: the rain didn’t bother me the way it did at the campsite. Why? Because the goal had changed. We had a reason to be in the rain. Campers want comfort. Climbers want the summit. Are you camping or climbing? Is our goal comfort or Christ? “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:16-18). Our goal keeps us going. Someone once said: “Those who have a why to live, can bear with almost any how.” Having a clear goal and life purpose allows us to endure struggles and difficulties because we know that they aren’t in vain. They have a reason, a “why.” The apostle Paul had a “why”: “to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). He also wrote, “I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ” (Philippians 3:8). Paul’s treasure was Christ. Too often, our heart long for comfortable circumstances and the absence of problems rather than rejoicing in God with us in the midst of difficulties. Never lose sight of your “why.” It will strengthen you to bear any “how.” Changing Our Life When we accept that life is difficult, it transforms us. Our problems become possibilities. Obstacles become opportunities. Trials become triumphs. Having the proper perspective increases our joy and strength in everything we do. It gives us hope. This transformation doesn’t change our challenges; it changes us. It changes who we are. We are no longer easily shaken. We become strong and courageous. We have resilience and grit. Strength, courage, resilience, and grit are essential to endure the challenges of life, leadership, and ministry. Together, they form what I call Godly Grit. Godly Grit is rooted in faith and draws its strength from God, not from ourselves, our strategies, abilities, or others. It is the enduring expression of trust in God and His promises, demonstrated through resilience and grit while facing challenges. Consider the lives of those who trust God: They don’t fear bad news. “For the righteous will never be moved; he will be remembered forever. He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD. His heart is steady; he will not be afraid, until he looks in triumph on his adversaries” (Psalm 112:6-8). They are unshakable. “I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken” (Psalm 16:8). They have perfect peace. “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock” (Isaiah 26:3, 4). Do you want these to describe you? I do! We all face challenges, but everyone responds differently. Some quit. Some complain. Others seek sympathy. Many panic and worry. Still others react as if discomfort itself were a threat to their emotional well-being. A few quietly endure with unshakable courage. They live with Godly Grit. Let’s make it our aim to live with Godly Grit. Instead of focusing on removing challenges or avoiding hard things, focus on becoming stronger in God’s strength. As we grow stronger, challenges grow smaller. God doesn’t promise easy. He promises strength. He promises to always be with us. He promises that things will go according to His will, not ours. Changing your perspective and your goal will change your life. It will help you grow Godly Grit to face the challenges of life and leadership with unshakable faith. Want to dive deeper? Godly Grit is the book I wish I had before starting ministry and leadership. Written from years of hardship and leadership pressure, Godly Grit offers biblical perspectives forged in pain and refined by Scripture. It is a companion you can return to in the middle of challenges to realign your heart and regain perspective. Godly Grit is not about willpower or mental toughness. It is about a heart set on God and a mind anchored in His truth. This book will help you face fear, resist discouragement, and trust God in hard circumstances. God can make you unshakable. “I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken” (Psalm 16:8). |
Kyle's BOOKs
TOPICS
All
*As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases made through the Amazon links on our site. This helps cover the cost of our website. We only recommend products and books that we or podcast guests have found personally beneficial!
|
Can’t wait!!!
Leave a Reply.