3 Ways we can See the Same Challenge we are Facing

Jesus therefore lifting up His eyes, and seeing that a great multitude was coming to Him, said to Philip, “Where are we to buy bread, that these may eat?” (Jn. 6:5 NAS)

Our perspective when we face challenges is very important in determining the outcome. God often asks the prophets of the Old Testament “what do you see?”. He sees the circumstances of our lives quite differently than we do.

The scripture above gives us an interesting scenario that tests human perspective in the midst of difficulty. There were about 5,000 men that were following Jesus, and who were hungry and needed to be fed. Jesus turned to Phillip and asked him ” where are we to buy bread, that these may eat?”. The next verse states clearly “and this He was saying to test him; for Jesus Himself knew what He was intending to do ” (Jn. 6:6 ). Interestingly, there were at least three “ways of looking” at this challenge noted in these verses. Philip saw it as impossible to feed 5,000 men in the desert. He was a naturalist, who was quite “objective” in his assessment.

His brother Andrew had a different perspective.He was a “minimalist”.He said, “There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are these for so many people?” (Jn. 6:9 NAS). He saw that they had something but it was too small to do any good. Jesus had yet another perspective quite distinct from theirs. He knew what to do. He saw the impossible as possible. He had the divine perspective and had divine results. Do not be a “naturalist” or “minimalist” today. Instead, have the divine perspective about the challenges of your life.

MEDITATE

Think on the verse above and ask yourself the same questions. What would you have said in response? What is your perspective on the challenge you are having now?

PRAY

Pray and ask the Father to open your eyes to see things the way He does.

ACT NOW ON THE WORD!

God’s perspective is His Word. The naturalist sees that it is indeed naturally impossible and fixates on that. The minimalist has something at hand and despises it as nothing. Choose to see life through the eyes of God today. Know how God sees things. Do not assume. Know for sure. You have the Word with you-it is His perspective on life. Arm yourself with the Word in whatever situation you are in. Then ACT and speak what God has said and not your feelings or thoughts today.

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