When I have it, I make healthy choices. When I don't, life sours.

Perspective: seeing things as they are or imagining how they could be. Perspective: comparing the past and present and judging the difference.

I'm a product of the American "South". Having visited Canada, New England, and the West, I've discovered that people who don't live here often misunderstand the culture. To some, it's an enigma. Others crave the relaxed lifestyle. To those who innocently inquire about our "strange customs", I reply, "You must have the proper perspective to appreciate the culture."

Joseph had it. Sold by his brothers to slave traders who sold him again, he was falsely accused by his master's wife and thrown into prison. Though he helped two inmates by interpreting their dreams, they promptly forgot him upon their release. He was finally freed and promoted to Egypt's second highest position after interpreting Pharaoh's dreams about an ensuing famine.

In his ruling position, he brought his family to Egypt so that they wouldn't starve. After his father's death, his rascally brothers anticipated his revenge, but to their surprise Joseph said:

Genesis 50:20 – You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. (NIV)

Joseph believed this promise long before it was written:

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. (NIV)

The pieces of my life may seem like three jigsaw puzzles mixed up together with no hope of configuring any of them. But believing that God is in control allows the pieces to come together into a beautiful tapestry. Like Joseph, I may not understand the pieces, but the final product will make sense.

Others may harm me, ruin my reputation, gossip about me, steal my promotions, destroy my possessions, and misunderstand my motives, but God will take what others mean for harm and bring good, if I retain my perspective.

Depend on God, keep your perspective, and leave the results to Him.

Prayer: Lord, enable us to retain a faith perspective even when it appears that our lives are falling apart. Amen.

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About the author:

Martin Wiles <mandmwiles@gmail.com>
Greenwood, South Carolina, USA
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