Part 1
Part 1
Part 1
In any given life situation, each person may respond differently. The factors that influence our immediate response can come from our past experiences, current life challenges, and our family of origin, to name some factors. God also has His perspective on what we are going through. If we are willing to consider what is happening in a spiritual realm and then respond accordingly, we can have a very different outcome to when we respond solely from our limited human viewpoint.
Read Matthew 16:21-25, 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, Hebrews 11:1
Discuss
- We all have a life filter that we see the world through. What factors might influence how different people react to a similar situation?
- What factors can you identify that influence how you see the world around you? Are they usually helpful or a hinderance to you? Are these able to be changed?
- Read Matthew 16:21-23. What was Peter’s perspective in this moment? How did this differ to what Jesus was seeing?
- Read 2 Corinthians 4:16-18. What are the things unseen that Paul is referring to here? How can this perspective help us in a time of trial?
- Read Hebrews 11:1. How can we have assurance about what we cannot see? How might this change our perspective when we apply this to our current challenges? When have you most needed this reassurance?
- What do you see right now? Lack or abundance? Where is this evident in your life right now?
- How do you feel right now? Stress or calm? What could change this perspective?
- Who do you know that usually has a calm demeanour in a time of challenge? Why might this be?
Respond
To live with the presence of God in the here and now, we need to have a heavenly perspective overlaying our immediate responses to everyday circumstances. In order for us to know peace, we must be willing to trust in God, despite our circumstances. What is one change that you can make right now to look up and see things from a heavenly perspective? Take a moment now to ask God to open the spiritual eyes of your heart, and to see your situation from His viewpoint.