Perspective shapes how we react to situations. It distinguishes a parent’s reaction from a child’s in the face of going to see a doctor or eating one’s veggies. Keeping an eye on the goal helps us endure transient pain.
Author Jeremiah Burroughs states: “One drop of the sweetness of heaven is enough to take away all the sourness and bitterness of all the afflictions in the world.” The end of our race in this world is favorable beyond imagination. However, in living this real life, God does want us to suffer as part of our perfecting process.
But, what attitude should we have as we go through trials? James 1:2-8 shows us three instructions from God on what to do as we go through trials.
- Rejoice (Hebrews 1:2,3)
- Endure (Hebrews 1:4)
- Pray (Hebrews 1:5-8)