Perspective. It is what I have because of my relationship with Jesus Christ. I've always believed in God. Honestly, though, I haven't always believed that the Bible is Gods living word to us. Once I gave my life to Him he was able to show me life through the scriptures. His word was something I couldn't get enough of. The scriptures made my life make sense. It brought to light my purpose in this world. It made this upside down world make sense. And through that revelation God changed my outlook on every single solitary thing in my life. Walking with Him? Perspective.
This past year? Couldn't have done it without God, my husband, family, and friends. Period. In one year I've buried my Father, had a spinal tap, kidney biopsy, multiple hospital stays, another less than desirable diagnosis, sent a child to college, watched a child bravely battle an incurable disease , had a child graduate from college, put a child in rehab, watched a child walk away from treatment. You could say it's been a pretty intense 10 months. Through it all? He gave me perspective.
Perspective to know without a shadow of a doubt that He has a plan for me. Perspective to know that my brother and I were called by God to love and care for our dad regardless of how hard it was. Perspective that both of our girls are not ours. They never were. Our job was to guide them, love them, ensure that they had accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Perspective to know, that no matter how hard, we have to let them go. Perspective to see that God has marked them. He has a great and mighty plan for both of them. Perspective to know they belong to Him. Perspective to know its my job to repent, forgive, love, and release. Perspective to know I'm not the boss. He is.
If you asked a non-believer to walk a mile in my shoes? In your shoes? In the adversities you're experiencing? There would be no perspective. There would be a hardened heart. Anger. Fear. Regret. Guilt. "Well, that's pretentious of you Elizabeth. How can you even say that?" Because I've walked in those shoes without having my faith and trust in Jesus Christ. It is through perspective that I can see where I was and how empty I was.
Are you empty? Are you tired? Are you exhausted from trying to control everything and everyone in your life? Do you look at your life sometimes and think "how did this happen?" Ask Jesus Christ to be your Lord and Savior. Delve into His word. Ask Him to give you perspective on who He says you are. Your circumstances may not change. Quite frankly they may get worse. Praise Him anyway. Cast your burdens on Him. Give it all to Him so that He can give his all to you.
Perspective. I wouldn't trade Him for anything.
"So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while."-1 Peter 1:6
