Perception

How we perceive the world shapes how we live in it. Our perception—how we see God, ourselves, and our circumstances—directly impacts our peace and joy. Sometimes, our natural eyes deceive us. We see the mess, the failure, and the heartbreak, and we forget that God's story is far bigger than what we can currently see.

I’ve experienced this shift in my own journey, particularly in moving from being a worship leader to stepping into the role of pastor. As a worship leader, my calling required personal consecration, living out an authentic life of worship, and encouraging others to see God as He is. But stepping into pastoring brought an entirely different level of consecration and communion with people. The transition wasn’t easy, and it forced me to confront my perception of things.

I began to see challenges not as burdens but as opportunities for God to move, for faith to grow, and for His truth to stand firm. When people came to me with their struggles, I could now view them with compassion, seeing the potential for healing and growth, something I might have missed before. Through this shift, I learned to view my own challenges the same way. What would’ve caused me to give up before became a chance to lean in, trusting that God was shaping me through it.

Perception is everything. When we choose to see with eyes of faith, the world around us shifts. We start to notice God's provision, His faithfulness, and His grace in the midst of difficulty. The key is to focus on the unseen—God’s eternal promises that will outlast every temporary hardship.

Reflection Points:

• How does your current perspective on your situation affect your peace and joy?
• What steps can you take today to adjust your focus toward God's eternal promises and see beyond your immediate circumstances?