Since people think differently, a perspective about how any situation is viewed can change dramatically. Here is an example from a Bible story. After securing freedom from bondage in Egypt, the children of Israel wandered in the wilderness for forty years and finally stood across the river from the land of Israel which God had promised them. Before entering this “new” land Moses decided that spies should be sent into the territory to see what it was like (Numbers 13:2).
Twelve men were chosen and after forty days in the land they returned with a report. They said, “We went into the land to which you sent us, and it does flow with milk and honey! Here is its fruit” (Numbers 13:27). Sounds good so far, doesn’t it? But ten of the men continued with a negative report. They said, “We can’t attack those people; they are stronger than we are…The land we explored devours those living in it. All the people we saw there are of great size…We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them” (Numbers 13:31-33). The bold words in the above verses indicate that they thought a “stop” should be put on any plans to enter the land.
However, two spies – Caleb and Nun – gave the following positive report. “The land we passed through and explored is exceedingly good. If the Lord is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us. Only do not rebel against the Lord. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will devour them. Their protection is gone, but the Lord is with us. Do not be afraid of them” (Numbers 14:7-9). Notice the bold words in the above verses which identify why entering the land should be given a “go”Wow! Two different perspectives from two groups of people who had obviously observed identical things. One perspective was “we just can’t do it.” The other perspective was “with God’s help we can do it.” What made the difference in the perspective involving these two reports? From a human perspective, the ten looked at the barriers that might hinder. From God’s perspective the two looked at the blessings that would be theirs through the eyes of faith. What a difference having a godly perspective makes.
Maybe you are going through a difficult situation and find it hard to see things in a positive light. Why not begin looking at your situation through the eyes of faith? Seeing things from God’s perspective is a challenge and will involve faith. However, this is the perspective that we all need and it will be blessed by God.
