Living Above Your Circumstances
When tough times come, we need to look past the “facts” of our situation. Instead, we must focus on the truths of who God is and who we are in Him.
My fellow believers, when it seems as though you are facing nothing but difficulties see it as an invaluable opportunity to experience all the joy that you can! For you know that when your faith is tested it stirs up power within you to endure all things. And then as your endurance grows even stronger it will release perfection into every part of your being until there is nothing missing and nothing lacking. James 1:2-4, The Passion Translation (Simmons)
All of us face tough times eventually; life is just like that. In those moments it’s natural to feel hopeless or fearful, but God invites us to experience life differently. Come see how to live above your circumstances.
God is infinite and all powerful. The things that limit us do not limit Him. Can you imagine that scene in Heaven? The angels aren’t throwing up their hands, running around the Throne Room in consternation. Of course not! If they’re throwing up their hands, you can be sure it’s a celebration.
Any time you face too many problems, or too few possibilities, remember what is true. Remember that God is truly good and truly great. He truly loves you and He promises to provide for you. When we see this accurately, we can remain hopeful despite tough times.
That’s easy to say and harder to do, because the world screams at us through pain, fear, deceit and the threat of a hopeless future. “Look at me! Look at me!” our situation demands. The “facts” presented by our current circumstances rage against the glorious truth of the God revealed in Scripture.
We need to ask the Lord to change our perspective. We must learn how to look above our circumstances and not be taken in by the lies they proclaim about God… and about us. After all, we are His children! We must keep our eyes fixed on the Lord and our hearts fixed on His surpassing truth. When we set our eyes on Him we are elevated above the situation. We become strong—because He empowers us.
This Scripture actually pulls back the curtain so we can look behind the scenes. Do you see it? It’s not that God created your difficulties; but He promises to walk with you through them, step by step. He is an overcomer, and we are hidden in Him. And His ultimate goal? Creating completeness in you “until there is nothing missing and nothing lacking.” Remember those angels throwing up their hands? In time, you’ll discover that they were celebrating after all—they were celebrating with you!
Psalm 18:30-33, John 16:33, I John 4:4, Hebrews 12:1-13
Prayer
Lord, help me to keep my eyes on You and not on my situation. Your plans for me are good plans. Thank You, Lord!
