Session 14

Change how you see instead of what you see

From 1 Corinthians: A 35-Day Devotional

In a world full of Photoshop and instant gratification, it’s easy to buy the lie that if we don’t like something, we can and should change it.

If we don’t like our physical appearance, there’s a surgery to fix it. If we don’t like our relationship status, there is a dating service to change it. If we don’t like our circumstances, we can buy, charm, run, and fight our way out of it.

But what if the circumstances we’re in are exactly where God wants us to be?

What if the circumstances we’re in are exactly where God wants us to be?

We are called to live the life we are given. Each one of us has unique value, insight, and experience God wants to work through to share the good news about Jesus. Our lives were not meant to be a comparison party where we attempt to constantly gain or achieve other people’s stuff and circumstances.

When we are being who God made us to be in the circumstances He has given us, people can look at our lives and ask: “How does she have so much peace in the midst of _____?” or “How can he be so generous when he has so little?”

When we find ourselves in less than desirable circumstances and prayer doesn’t seem to be changing them, maybe we need to change our prayer. Instead of focusing on finding a way out, ask for a change of perspective about the situation we’re in. Then, watch and see how God works through our struggle for our strength and His glory.

Reflect:

• Have you ever struggled with comparing your life or circumstances to those around you?
• What is an area in your life where you would like to see God change your circumstances? How could a change in attitude or perspective help?