Perspective is a funny thing. Often, what you think you see is what you experience.
This past weekend we had a bunch of rain that kept many of us away from our summer activities – most likely grumbling to each other indoors! Yes, the rain stopped me from finishing my chores at home in the garden. Yes, the rain stopped us from heading to the lake and enjoying the company of friends. But… the rain kept me inside for two days and all I could do was read a book and drink coffee! And this ended up being the best form of rest I could have.
So, my perspective affects how I see my weekend. Either I can complain about the weather or I can be thankful for the two days rest.
More importantly, our perspective also affects how we relate to God.
I’ve often wondered why some experience a deeper intimacy with God. I definitely wonder why some see miraculous healings through the power of God. Do you ever ask God is there’s more of Him to experience?
Paul writes this to the church in Ephesus;
“Ever since I first heard of your strong faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for God’s people everywhere, I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance. I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms.”
Ephesians 1:15-20
And again to the church in Philippi;
“I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death, so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead!”
Philippians 3:10
I believe God reveals Himself to us at the level we are willing to accept.
What do I mean by that?
If you believe in the baptism of the Holy Spirit and the empowering of believers with spiritual gifts then you will step into that in line with your desire. If you believe in the abundant providence of God you will step into prosperity – and then step out of it if you don’t have a pure heart! If you believe in the gift of praying in tongues (heavenly languages) for personal edification [1 Cor 14:4] and tongues (other known languages) for corporate evangelism [Acts 2:5-6] then I believe God will bless you with His grace and enabling in this area. I have a friend who has the gift to interpret tongues (heavenly languages) which he says he didn’t ask for, but I and others have been immensely blessed because of his faithful obedience!
What’s my point?
God chooses to limit Himself in line with our faith.
What’s your response? If I could suggest you hear the words of a desperate father who desired to see the power of Jesus at work in his family. When face to face with Jesus the father of the boy cried out weeping and saying, “I believe my lord; help the lack of my faith.” (Mark 9:24)
Make that your prayer today – Lord, help me to expand my faith to see more of you.