Life On MissionSample

If we really are a people that have hope, then we will also be a people that look at things differently. We’d see challenges through the lenses of hope. We’d see problems with a hopeful outcome. Where there is negativity and discouragement, we’d bring a hope-filled perspective. In a world that seems to be increasingly negative, optimism shines brightly. So hope and perspective are interconnected. When we lift our eyes from our current perspective and see God for who he really is we start to become more optimistic. When we see God as big, strong, caring and concerned, we start to see our problems differently. This is where our hope comes from... God’s strength, not ours. When we hope in others, or ourselves, we place our hope in something limited and not eternal. You wouldn’t go to the Grand Canyon, Great Wall of China or Leaning Tower of Pisa and stick your nose right up against it and marvel at its beauty. Nope, you back up and take it all in. Unfortunately, when challenges come you get so close to them that your vision is impaired. You’d do well to back up and gain a better perspective. When you do this, your perspective broadens and your hope soars. 1. How do you feel when a challenge or obstacle starts to dominate your life? 2. What are some ways that you can stop that process and focus on God? 3. How would you feel if you saw your challenges and obstacles from God’s perspective? 4.How would it be easier to be a carrier of hope if you weren’t so overwhelmed with your own challenges? Pray that God will help you turn from finding hope and security in other things and that you’ll build your hope out of a vibrant relationship with God.