Look Forward to the New Year (2)
Look Forward with a Godly Perspective
Having a godly perspective make us bearers of breakthroughs. Rev Jason Tan expounds on this.
A brand-new year offers opportunities for everyone to welcome new dreams, visions, and hopes. The turn of a new year can be perceived as letting go of our past failures and the introduction of a renewed presence of God in our lives. This change is fundamental, considering that the current pandemic has raged over the past 20 months. Nevertheless, a shift in perspective may help us see our battles differently and potentially lead us to develop new strategies for overcoming our ever-changing circumstances. The following is a brief story to illustrate why it is essential to gain a godly perspective:
“Today is the worst day of my life,” a boy told his mother. He went on, “On the way to school, I stepped on a puddle of water, and my shoes were soaked for the entire day. My pen ran out of ink, and I had to ask my best friend if I could borrow his spare. At recess, I discovered my water bottle had been leaking. Reluctantly, I bought a cold drink from the stall.” The young boy’s head hung low, sighing, and shaking his head in dismay. Observing the mixed anger and disappointment in her son, the mother replied, “On your way to school, you stepped on a puddle. Thank God you did not slip and hit your head. Your pen ink ran out, and your friend graciously lend his pen to you. You experienced God’s generosity through your caring friend. At recess, you did not have any water. Instead, you were blessed with a chilled drink in this hot weather.” The boy looked intently into his mother’s eyes and immediately sparkled with joy. He replied, “Thank you, Mum, for helping me realize how blessed I am.”
Having a Godly Perspective
We need the proper perspective of our lives. Godly perspective helps us see our world through His lens. A shift in perspective in this ongoing pandemic is necessary to sustain our position on the victory side. An incorrect perspective limits us, but a godly perspective empowers us.
The biblical account of Caleb and Joshua found in Numbers 13, 14 and Joshua 14 provides a glimpse into our full potential when we decide on God’s perspective. In these accounts, Moses instructed twelve of his men from Kadesh Barnea to spy the land of Canaan and to give a report. Caleb and Joshua were among the twelve selected. Ten spies in their report described themselves as grasshoppers in comparison to the Nephilim. Fear narrowed their perspectives. They viewed danger and insurmountable challenges as an impossibility.
However, Caleb and Joshua held a different perspective. They did not flow with the majority and chose to see the possibilities by adopting a godly perspective. As a result, Joshua and Caleb experienced a breakthrough and were blessed exceedingly with a promised inheritance (Joshua 14:13-15).
Bearers of Breakthroughs
In 2022, all who decide on God’s perspective can become bearers of breakthroughs. God wants His children to live in full potential, in infinite possibilities and in transforming power. Joshua and Caleb modeled having a godly perspective to teach us how to become bearers of breakthroughs. What can we learn from the life of Caleb on perspective?
1. Godly perspective must be fixed on Spirit-led convictions.
“And I brought him back a report according to my convictions.” (Joshua 14:7b)
Caleb had an inner conviction that came from God. For him, the decision to persevere regardless of his age is not a choice. It was an inner conviction birthed by God’s Spirit. Choices may change over time, but godly convictions go beyond the boundaries of chronology. For instance, I enjoy chocolate ice cream today; tomorrow, I can change my mind and choose mint. Choices may flip, but convictions are fixed. Caleb maintained his convictions, fixed upon the promises and the strength of God. To adopt a godly perspective, we must be fixed on Spirit-led biblical convictions.
2. Godly perspective must be reinforced by God-given vigor
“I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out; I’m just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then. Now give me this hill country that the Lord promised me that day.” (Joshua 14:11-12a)
With all the vigor at eighty-five, Caleb never gave up on his dreams. Instead, he kept on believing that God’s promises would come. His perspective is not bound by his circumstances. His supernatural vigor is not acquired with man’s strength or wisdom. Instead, it was this vigor that complemented his trust in God. Often, when things go wrong or our patience runs out, our perspective tends to fade. It is in those moments that we must rely upon the vigor given by God. Regardless of any new challenges in 2022, a godly perspective secured by God-given vigor allows us to see all obstacles as opportunities for breakthroughs.
3. Godly perspective must be centered on wholehearted worship.
“So Hebron has belonged to Caleb, son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite ever since, because he followed the Lord, the God of Israel, wholeheartedly.” (Joshua 14:14)
His peers chose fear, but Caleb saw victory beyond his present. Fear weakens, but faith strengthens.
Caleb possessed his inheritance because he had chosen to dedicate himself wholeheartedly to the God of Israel. Contrary to the majority of his peers, he chose a godly perspective of opportunities. He was able to do so because his perspective was centered on wholehearted worship and not on fear. His peers chose fear, but Caleb saw victory beyond his present. Fear weakens, but faith strengthens.
Resolve in 2022 to choose a godly perspective fixed on Spirit-led convictions, reinforced by God-given vigor and centered on wholehearted worship. Come what may, with godly perspective, 2022 shall be a year full of potential, possibilities and promises.
God bless you.
Rev Jason Tan is the senior pastor of Zion Full Gospel Church (ZFGC). He serves in the Assemblies of God, Singapore Executive Committee. He is also the Chief Editor of AG Times.