Shifting Perspective: Turning Challenges into Opportunities
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the theme of perspective and how it shapes our lives and our faith. We began by acknowledging that God is our provider and comforter, and that He is always working in us and through us, even in the midst of our challenges. We reflected on the importance of shifting our perspective to see beyond our immediate circumstances and to recognize the bigger picture of God's plan for us.
We revisited key points from our Holy Shift series, emphasizing the need to refuse to settle for less than God's best, to live outward-focused lives, and to maintain a continuous relationship with Christ. Today's message, "Opportunity Takes Perspective," highlighted how our perspective can transform obstacles into opportunities. By shifting our mindset and trusting in God's plan, we can see our challenges as opportunities for growth and for experiencing God's presence, power, and peace.
We discussed the story of David and Goliath, illustrating how a shift in perspective can turn a seemingly insurmountable obstacle into a moment of triumph. We also examined the importance of taking risks in our faith, as exemplified by biblical figures like Esther, Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, and the disciples. These stories remind us that faith often requires stepping into the unknown and trusting God to work through us.
Furthermore, we explored how seeing people in relation to their potential can shape our perspective and how a proper perspective ties our present circumstances to God's promises. We were reminded that our perspective determines our purpose and that a winning perspective focuses on what God can accomplish through us, rather than what we can achieve on our own.
In conclusion, we were encouraged to adopt a perspective that sees the glass as half-full, to take risks in our faith, and to trust in God's promises. By doing so, we can experience the fullness of God's plan for our lives and be a light to those around us.
### Key Takeaways
1. Perspective Transforms Obstacles into Opportunities: By shifting our mindset and trusting in God's plan, we can see our challenges as opportunities for growth and for experiencing God's presence, power, and peace. This shift allows us to focus on the glass being half-full rather than half-empty, recognizing that God works all things for the good of those who love Him. [07:07]
2. Faith Requires Taking Risks: Biblical figures like Esther, Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, and the disciples exemplify the importance of taking risks in our faith. Faith often means stepping into the unknown and trusting God to work through us, even when the path ahead seems daunting. This willingness to take risks can lead to incredible breakthroughs and miracles. [14:30]
3. Seeing People in Relation to Their Potential: Jesus saw people for their potential and encouraged them to become who God created them to be. By adopting this perspective, we can make a significant impact on others' lives, helping them grow and fulfill their God-given potential. This approach fosters a supportive and encouraging community. [19:28]
4. Proper Perspective Ties the Present to God's Promises: Trusting in God's promises can speak life into our hearts and fuel our perseverance. When we face adversity, it's crucial to remember that what happens in us is more important than what happens to us. This perspective helps us press on towards the goal, knowing that no challenge is too great with God's strength. [22:31]
5. Perspective Determines Purpose: Our perspective shapes our understanding of our purpose in life. By allowing God to transform us inwardly, we can discern His will and fulfill our divine purpose. This transformation requires surrendering to God's plan and being willing to change our long-held views to align with His vision for our lives. [24:53]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[02:05] - Embracing a Bigger Picture
[02:54] - Prayer for Fresh Hope
[03:52] - Holy Shift Series Recap
[04:56] - Continuous Relationship with Christ
[05:55] - Impact of Perspective
[07:07] - Transforming Obstacles into Opportunities
[08:18] - David and Goliath: A Shift in Perspective
[09:22] - Preparation Through Hardships
[10:26] - Walking by Faith
[11:33] - Opportunities in Challenges
[12:38] - Taking Risks in Faith
[14:30] - Biblical Examples of Risk-Taking
[16:25] - Worship in Adversity
[18:09] - Seeing Potential in Others
[19:28] - Encouraging Growth in Community
[21:03] - Connecting Present to God's Promises
[22:31] - Pressing Onward with Joy
[24:53] - Perspective and Purpose
[26:06] - Transformation and God's Will
[27:52] - Embracing Change
[29:29] - Winning Perspective
[31:08] - Feeding the Five Thousand
[32:34] - Seeking Solitude and Facing Challenges
[34:10] - Giving What We Have Received
[35:35] - Stretching Our Faith
[37:00] - Focusing on God's Accomplishments
[39:12] - Closing Prayer and Reflection
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Romans 8:28 - "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
2. 2 Corinthians 5:7 - "For we walk by faith, not by sight."
3. Hebrews 11:6 - "And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him."
### Observation Questions
1. According to Romans 8:28, what does God promise to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose?
2. How does 2 Corinthians 5:7 describe the way believers should live their lives?
3. What does Hebrews 11:6 say is necessary to please God?
4. In the sermon, how did David's perspective differ from the Israelite soldiers when facing Goliath? ([09:22])
### Interpretation Questions
1. How can Romans 8:28 help believers see their challenges as opportunities for growth and experiencing God's presence? ([07:07])
2. What does it mean to "walk by faith, not by sight" in practical terms, especially when facing obstacles? ([10:26])
3. Why is taking risks an essential part of faith according to Hebrews 11:6 and the examples given in the sermon? ([14:30])
4. How does seeing people in relation to their potential, as Jesus did, shape our interactions and community? ([19:28])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent challenge you faced. How might shifting your perspective to see it as an opportunity for growth change your approach? ([07:07])
2. What is one specific area in your life where you need to "walk by faith, not by sight"? How can you take a step of faith this week? ([10:26])
3. Think of a situation where you need to take a risk in your faith. What is holding you back, and how can you overcome that fear? ([14:30])
4. Identify someone in your life who you can encourage by seeing their potential. What specific action can you take to support their growth this week? ([19:28])
5. How can you remind yourself of God's promises when you are facing adversity? What practical steps can you take to keep your focus on His promises? ([22:31])
6. In what ways does your current perspective shape your understanding of your purpose? How can you align your perspective more closely with God's vision for your life? ([24:53])
7. What is one specific way you can adopt a "glass half-full" attitude in your daily life? How can this change impact those around you? ([05:55])
Devotional
Day 1: Transforming Obstacles into Opportunities
Description: Our perspective has the power to transform obstacles into opportunities. By shifting our mindset and trusting in God's plan, we can see our challenges as opportunities for growth and for experiencing God's presence, power, and peace. This shift allows us to focus on the glass being half-full rather than half-empty, recognizing that God works all things for the good of those who love Him. When we face difficulties, it is essential to remember that God is always at work in us and through us, even in the midst of our challenges. By adopting a positive perspective, we can turn what seems like insurmountable obstacles into moments of triumph and growth. [07:07]
Isaiah 43:18-19 (ESV): "Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."
Reflection: Think of a current challenge you are facing. How can you shift your perspective to see this challenge as an opportunity for growth and to experience God's presence in a new way?
Day 2: Faith Requires Taking Risks
Description: Faith often requires taking risks and stepping into the unknown. Biblical figures like Esther, Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, and the disciples exemplify the importance of taking risks in our faith. They trusted God to work through them, even when the path ahead seemed daunting. This willingness to take risks can lead to incredible breakthroughs and miracles. When we step out in faith, we open ourselves up to experiencing God's power and provision in ways we never imagined. It is through these acts of faith that we grow closer to God and see His hand at work in our lives. [14:30]
Hebrews 11:8 (ESV): "By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel God is calling you to take a risk? How can you step out in faith and trust Him to work through you in this situation?
Day 3: Seeing People in Relation to Their Potential
Description: Jesus saw people for their potential and encouraged them to become who God created them to be. By adopting this perspective, we can make a significant impact on others' lives, helping them grow and fulfill their God-given potential. This approach fosters a supportive and encouraging community where individuals are valued for who they can become, rather than just who they are now. When we see others through the lens of their potential, we can inspire and uplift them, creating an environment where everyone can thrive and grow in their faith. [19:28]
1 Thessalonians 5:11 (ESV): "Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing."
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who may need encouragement. How can you speak life into their potential and support them in becoming who God created them to be?
Day 4: Proper Perspective Ties the Present to God's Promises
Description: Trusting in God's promises can speak life into our hearts and fuel our perseverance. When we face adversity, it's crucial to remember that what happens in us is more important than what happens to us. This perspective helps us press on towards the goal, knowing that no challenge is too great with God's strength. By focusing on God's promises, we can find the strength and motivation to endure difficult times and remain steadfast in our faith. This proper perspective ties our present circumstances to the hope and assurance of God's promises, giving us the courage to keep moving forward. [22:31]
2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (ESV): "For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."
Reflection: Reflect on a promise from God that has encouraged you in the past. How can you hold onto this promise in your current circumstances to find strength and perseverance?
Day 5: Perspective Determines Purpose
Description: Our perspective shapes our understanding of our purpose in life. By allowing God to transform us inwardly, we can discern His will and fulfill our divine purpose. This transformation requires surrendering to God's plan and being willing to change our long-held views to align with His vision for our lives. When we adopt a perspective that focuses on what God can accomplish through us, rather than what we can achieve on our own, we can live out our purpose with greater clarity and conviction. This winning perspective helps us to see our lives through the lens of God's greater plan and to trust in His guidance and provision. [24:53]
Romans 12:2 (ESV): "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to surrender your own plans and perspectives to align with God's vision for you? How can you begin to make this shift today?
Quotes
1. "Our perspective, okay, now that you guys have opened up a little bit this morning at 8 o'clock, our perspective can impact. In fact, the way we view our circumstances and the world around us, our perspective can impact that. Our circumstances can begin to blind us from His goodness in our own life. Comparison can rob us of a godly perspective. It can be the thief of our joy." [05:55] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "When we lean in on God and seek the right perspective, we can experience God's presence, His power, His love, His promises, and His peace. 2 Corinthians 5, 7 says, Obstacles that we face each and every day are normal. The key to dealing with obstacles is our perspective, the way that we're able to look through things." [08:18] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "When we look at your life today, you may be facing obstacles, that problem, that sickness, that financial burden, that lack of growth, that hurt, that frustration, that loss. But when we see our problems as possibilities, we can gain the perspective that nothing is going to come, nothing is going to come up that we can't handle with Jesus. And these are holy shift perspectives when we begin to see obstacles as our greatest opportunities." [10:26] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Faith means going where we do not see and believing what seems to be impossible to believe. Again, it's that faith. So isn't it that faith that allows us to take the risk? There were risk takers in the Bible. Pastor talked about Esther. How everyone, that, that Haman gave very, gave a very tribalistic order to have the Jews killed. How did that take place? Esther, inside the palace was warned by her cousin that she should not consider herself safe. We heard that message. Esther was a risk taker in her faith." [14:30] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "When we look through that magnifying glass that you have this morning, it draws us closer to be able to see that. For some of us, it's needed more than others to be able to see something closer. We were just the other, the other day at football, we were putting, the kids put tape on the helmets so that we could put, so we knew whose they were, and so we had to put decals on and whatnot. And some of the kids had used just a regular ballpoint pen on blue tape, and, and I didn't have my glasses on, and, and, and so I, I was clueless." [13:39] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Seeing people in relation to the potential shapes our perspective. Ephesians chapter 3 verse 20 says now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all the work than all that we ask or think according to the power at work within us. How do you see others? How do you see others? Do you see their potential? Jesus saw the people that way he encouraged them to become who God created them to be how we relate to others and how we seek to encourage them can make a huge difference in their lives." [18:09] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Your perspective determines your purpose. Romans double steve says do not be conformed to the standards of the world let let God transform you inwardly again in we're we're talking about what he's doingérer did not the conformed to the standards of this world all the things that we have sure that they were too through the world all those steps that we have to take him like that we have to live that's on the outside but it says do not be conformed to those standards of the world but let God transform you inwardly." [24:53] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Jesus gives a winning perspective and I can tell you this morning that the winning perspective in my life is the Denver Broncos with Bo Nix are going to win the Super Bowl baby it is going to be awesome for those of you that are fantasy people you better be picking Bo Nix but if you pick him before me Mike a winning perspective Matthew chapter 14 verses 15 through 18 says now when it was evening the disciples came to him and said this is a desolate place and the day is now over send the crowds away and go to into villages and buy food for themselves but Jesus said don't you love that but Jesus said they need not go away you give them something to eat and they said to him we have only five loaves here and two fish and he said bring them here to me." [29:29] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Jesus shows a tremendous perspective in this situation that he was willing to live out a lesson as he taught Jesus issues what seems like an impossible challenge he tells them to feed the crowds the disciples saw the problem saw the people as the problem Jesus saw the potential for a miracle see a lot of times when we're looking for that winning perspective we look for the problem rather than the miracle instead of winning we're they whined there was not enough food there were too many people it was going to be too hard to feed all these people like the disciples we focus on problems instead of looking for what God wants to do we miss the potential that God has waiting for us." [34:10] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "I believe that God wants to do amazing things here at Central and I believe that God wants to do amazing things through you that no matter where you've been no matter what you've done that God wants to put you in the place to have a winning perspective he wants to put you in a place to where you can be used for him in the way that he's designed and created you to be and I'm encouraged by that today the choice is yours the choice is yours may the decision that you make give you a better perspective of the glass half-full rather than half-empty." [39:12] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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