This Powerful Shift Will Bring You Perfect Peace

“The aircraft has reached its weight limit,” the airline agent said to those of us waiting at the gate “We cannot board any more passengers.”

“Are you kidding me?”

I knew the plane was small. But I also knew that per ADA regulations, they should have allowed me to board first (not that I’m special or anything, but blind and handicapped folks usually hop in the plane first). Secondly, a few hundred women expected my keynote message, and I’d have to tell them I couldn’t arrive in time. Gulp.

Not happening. That was my attitude. I gave a prayer of thanks to the Lord, thanking Him for seeing this glitch through His eyes. Then, calm ruled my heart. I knew it wasn’t about the obstacle, but it was all about God’s close observation of the situation. I trusted, I believed. And after the agent made several offers for credit toward airline tickets, no one budged. But the final offer of $1,500 prompted one man to leave his seat. I smiled as I settled in that plane.

See? It’s not about the situation we get all worked up about. It’s about the power of God at work.

Life is like that. If we shift our glance and take in the whole picture, our personal world changes, our attitude shifts and our perception takes on a new angle.

That’s why when facing the pain of disappointment, the heartache of a lonely life or the airplane of our dreams about to leave without us, it’s all about recovering our peace by taking one important step—changing our focus.

—It’s not the heartache that shatters our world, but Jesus’ power to overcome it (John 16:33).

—It’s not the timing of the answer, but the reassurance He heard our request (Ps. 34:17).

—It’s not the uncertainty of tomorrow, but the peace He provides for today (Phil. 4:4-7)

—It’s not the confusion that sets in, but the clarity we know in Christ. (2 Cor. 5:15-19).

—It’s not the sadness that plagues, but His promises that lift us up (Rom. 8:31).

—It’s not the weight of our burden, but what we’ll do with it (Matt. 11:25).

—It’s not the size of the problem, but the dimension of God’s power (Ps. 90).

—It’s not about the task too big to handle, but His presence at every step (Josh. 1:9).

—It’s not about our sorrow, but the promise He will turn it to joy (Isa. 61:3).

—It’s not about the turmoil in our storms, but His peace that will follow (Mark 4:39).

Did You Know?

God knows what you need, what you feel, how you hurt, where you are, how you feel. Yet He has a different perspective than yours. His view is different and supernatural. His approach ushers victory, brings calmness and puts peace back in your heart.

Here’s the question: What will you choose? To focus on the gloom of your situation or the glory His promises bring?

Pray with me: Father, grant me a new perspective. Show me the path to look beyond what my eyes see and help me to perceive the truth in Your Word instead.

{eoa}

Janet Perez Eckles is an international speaker and the author of four books. She has helped thousands conquer fear and bring back joy.

This article originally appeared at janetperezeckles.com.