Perspective

This post is actually rather long - and kind of personal. I'd love to hear what ya'll have to say about these topics...

Tonight, I was watching the news and was struck by a story. The newscaster was telling of a scientist who believes that he can explain the science behind Moses parting the Red Sea. Some Christians were quoted as saying that they didn’t believe the scientist could prove the science behind it, because it was a miracle of God – and therefore not able to be explained by science. (I’m not diving into that part in this entry, but I’d love the perspective of others about that thought.)

At the very end of the story, the newscaster pointed out that the scientist interviewed is a Christian and admits that his beliefs played into his interest in the topic, but that they did not taint the science behind his discovery. Another scientist backed him up and said that the explanation given did fit with science theories currently believed to be true. But, it all got me thinking…how does my belief in Christ change my perspective? How should it change my perspective about my world?

Once I got thinking about it, I began to look at specific situations that have popped up in the last few months in my life.

-       When I was diagnosed with PCOS, I quickly gave in to despair as I learned about the effects that would follow me through my life because of this disorder. I was stuck for quite a while in the fear of not being able to bear children and feeling like I could never measure up to other women because I couldn’t be a mother naturally. As time went on and as I received Godly perspective from Scripture, Jeff and several women in my life, I began to hold to a more balanced perspective - one that acknowledged the possibilities of what having PCOS may mean for my life, but one that chose to look to God for peace, hope, comfort and strength.

-       When I heard that my kneecap was fractured and I wouldn’t be able to go back to school for at least a week, I felt worthless. I couldn’t do the job that I love, that God put me on the Earth to do for over a week. What good was I if  wasn’t working with my kids? If I couldn’t work, I wasn’t enough. When I stepped back and looked at that, I had to really examine the root of that. I’ve never felt good enough – but my job, my ability to pour into the lives of my students and see them grow – is a huge boost. However, it’s not what makes me good, it’s not what determines who I am. It’s a part of me – but it’s not everything. What determines my worth is not my job, my activities or anything else on Earth. What determines my worth is what my Father, my Creator, my God, has to say about me. In His Scripture, He says that He created me in my mother’s womb. He formed my body. He knows my thoughts. He determines my worth. My job, my activities, my good deeds, my bad thoughts, my lack of anything never determines my worth. I am His daughter, His princess, and I’m alive because He gives me life – not because of anything I do or don’t do. That’s the perspective I should have as a child of God.

-       When looking back at my 5 days off of school so far, I see most of my time has been spent on the computer, followed by watching TV, followed by sleeping (because of pain meds), followed finally by Bible Study/Praise and Worship/Prayer. When I look at that time, I’m saddened. I often say that I would love to spend more time in the Word than I do on a daily basis – and yet, this was a perfect opportunity to start that and really dive into Scripture with few distractions. I didn’t even crack my Bible open until Friday afternoon. The last few days I’ve spent more time than I did at the start – but that was only after I had re-watched all episodes of Grey’s Anatomy Season 6, the novelty of daytime TV wore off and I couldn’t play any more Tetris or I would go cross-eyed. My heart is saddened that I first sought the fun and worldly things. I wish I could go back to last Thursday and jump on board with extra time with Abba right from the get-go. As a Christian, I should be looking for every opportunity to be with God that is out there. Not that I should separate myself from the real world – but my goal is to commune with God at all times, in everything, and because of that relationship to be able to bless and impact the lives of all those I come into contact with.  What better way to practice that than to take advantage of the wonderful time that has been given to me to do what I can’t do in my normal routine? 

I have to admit, I don’t really like what I see, but it did give me a new goal to strive toward.  It’s amazing to me how the Holy Spirit can use something from daily life, something random, to convict and bring a new perspective to my faith.  

Another random thought - in the last few weeks, when I have most despaired and had the hardest time, have been the times I've been most complimented for my smile, my encouragement and my positive attitude. If I can have all of that for others - why can't I have it for myself? I need to work to allow the attitude and mind of Christ that I can share with others to actually invade my heart and allow myself to believe that the good God works in the lives of others, He also wants (and does) chose to work in my life. 

So, my readers and friends, I end this with some questions for you…

1)   When you look at your life, how does your perspective as a Christian make you look at situations differently than you would if you didn’t believe in Christ?

2)   How do you feel about learning someone has discovered the science behind the parting of the Red Sea? Does it make it seem any less of a miracle or does it confirm to you that our God is awesome?

I’d love your comments and your perspective! Much love!