Years ago, a professor first taught me this concept at seminary. But it stuck and still affects how I think today. He said that we have two choices.
We can define our God through the lens of our circumstance,
basing our view of Him on the happenings of our days.Or we can define our circumstance through the lens of our God,
basing our view of life on who He has revealed Himself to be through His Word.
Only one of those leaves us standing on a firm foundation. Only one of those causes our soul to find strength regardless of the moment.
flickr photo credit: flood gondekowa
I walked through a short season of uncertainty over these past few weeks. After some abnormal tests, my doctor wanted to do a biopsy of my cervix to look for the big “C”. The day before the procedure my nurse called to ask if I had any final questions.
As I hung up the phone I passed a doctor’s office and on the marquee, in bright red letters, it screamed, “CERVICAL CANCER.” You’ve got to be kidding me.
By His grace the character of my God determined my reaction. And I started laughing.
My Father would not tell me that I had cervical cancer through a doctor’s marquee. He’s my Daddy. He’s tender towards His children. He’s not insensitive and mean. My soul stood there.
The next morning on my way to the appointment I passed that same doctor’s office. This time the sign read, “THANK YOU, GOD.” Coincidence? Nah.
We always have choice. We can define our God through our ever-changing circumstance. Or we can flip things around and define our circumstance through the character of our God. Only one leaves us standing. (And sometimes even laughing.)
Thankfully I don’t have to walk through the fire of cancer at this time in my life. But I pray for those who do. I pray we choose to see whatever life brings through the lens of our God. I pray that we dig deep, beyond our feelings, and believe Him to be who He’s revealed Himself to be. He remains faithful. He forever moves out of His relentless love. And He can be fully trusted.
Fill me, Lord…
How does viewing circumstance through the lens of His character change you?
What aspects of His character most comfort you regardless of the circumstance?
Oh so so good Lara. Thankful for the great news and thankful for what He taught you to share with us. Perspective. Seeing as He sees. That marquee…unbelievable!! God bless you Lara and may the joy of your good test results permeate your Christmas!
Thanks, Heather. It was relieving news. And yes, the marquee thing was insane. I’m not advocating looking to marquees for signs from God but…it was just too “coincidental.” Blessings!
Wow. I literally shared a story dealing with the same big “C” at YL in a talk I gave. I was…scared. Viewing circumstance through the lens of His character makes me not as scared. It gives me hope. It makes me not want to jump off a bridge every time something is going badly. One aspect of His character that gives me comfort is His faithfulness. It blows my mind. Like, “why do You continue to be there and come through for me? I mean, me? I kinda suck!” And yet, there He is. Faithful. Loving. Crazy.
You make me smile, friend. So thankful with you that He looks at us through His Son rather than through our “suckiness.” 😉
What wonderful news! Thank you for that reminder of how God is always speaking TRUTH to us. We just need to hear Him over the FALSE teaching of this world.
Yes, this is good. A powerful quote and truth. We MUST define our circumstances through the lens of our God!
Oh Lara, this was wonderful and I am rejoicing with you that you do not have cancer! What an imprtant message you shared. Thank you, and thank you for reminding me that God is my daddy and he is sensitive to the things He knows I am sensitive about- why do I forget this?! Praying for you, God bless your Advent and Christmas, sweet friend. XO
Breathing a sigh of relief while rejoicing!
Oh, so thankful! Our daddy isn’t mean or insensitive… He’s caring, loving, giving and timely! What a Father we serve!
I am leaning into choosing patience for His will to be revealed and trusting in Him all the way. Your truth-telling spoke to me deeply. Rich blessings, sweet sister.