Fresh Perspective

How we view our problems makes all the difference in the world

Written by Merel Magill

There was a time when everything in life seemed to be going good. It wasn’t perfect, but I was making progress. My loved ones were healthy and thriving, I had great friendships, a job I enjoyed, and loved serving God where I was planted. Then it seems like in a flash, without any warning, my world as I knew it was rapidly changing around me. My work had become extremely difficult and challenging. False accusations were being made about me, and I found myself in tears driving to work each morning. I was sad, discouraged, disappointed and desperate for something to change. Why is this happening to me? Lord, where are you? How can this be?

You see I was always the compliant one. I was a dedicated, loyal employee and had given my all to my place of employment. I had seen the practice through many turnovers and transitions. But now it seemed like no matter how hard I worked it wasn’t enough. There was no pleasing my boss. I was betrayed by a friend at work, hurt by my boss’s lack of confidence in me, angry at the untruths that were being spoken about me.

In the beginning I was crying out to God for help. I needed His wisdom for the solutions to my problems. I would pray, as well as asking anyone who would listen to pray for me. My prayer request was always the same. Lord, bless me with a new job. Lord “I” have to get out of this place. Things went from bad to worse. “I” wanted God to lift me out of this very bad no good place. I would ask myself “Can’t God see how difficult this is for me?”

Now I know none of you amazing women of God would do this…But in my compulsion and the need to control the situation I decided since God wasn’t moving fast enough for my comfort to deliver me from this place, “I” would help Him. “I” prepared my resume, “I” met with a recruiter, and “I” started going on interviews. “I” did everything “I” knew how to do. But guess what… “I” never got a job offer out of any of the interviews. As most of you have already noticed…there was a whole lot of “I” going on. “I” wanted to God to answer my prayer my way. Note to self… We can make our plan, but the Lord determines our steps. Proverbs 16:9

I shared my struggle with my “truth telling” friend. You know, the one who tells you to put your big girl panties on because I’m going to give it to you straight, friends. She suggested I go back and ask God for a fresh perspective. You see, my problem wasn’t the problem, how I was seeing my problem was the problem. Ladies, if you don’t already have someone in your life like this; I encourage you to ask the Lord for one…trust me they are life savers. So I went back and was quiet before the Lord with an open heart and open ears. During that time I had a shift in my perspective. God was not surprised by what was happening in my world. His Word says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 4:10

Perhaps it was a time for personal growth. Maybe, God was more interested in building my character rather than letting me have my way. We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. Romans 5:3-5(NLT)

We often want to take the easiest path or the path of least resistance. Easy does not necessarily mean it is God choice for us. Truly trust in God and yield to Him to do things His way. Remember He is a gentleman. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, “declares the Lord. 9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9

Sometimes we are in the tough places because the pressure is needed to create the beautiful facets of our purpose. We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. 2 Corinthians 4:8 NLT As I look back now I can see how this was a time of personal growth and healing. I am still at the job, and God truly changed me. My heart and attitude towards my boss and co-workers shifted. Be encouraged! When change starts happening to Count it all Joy! Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds

Friendship

The Value of True Friends

Written by Yvonne Galindo

It’s refreshing to know you have friends that you are able to share your most intimate, deepest, or creative ideas this is a gift that many desire without Jealousy. Yup! That’s right it happens. That should be my next blog. Today it’s about friendship. I have been fortunate to have had great relationships during my years of service in Women’s Ministry. Serving in women’s ministry God taught me of how to be that unconditional friend. I learned how not to judge but to except. Giving my friends and those whom I come across the opportunity to speak freely and honestly without judgment; never expecting anything in return. I have friends that I have known for years and maybe don’t see as often as I would like. But I know that if I have a need or maybe just want to chat I could call or email and even visit and I know I am always welcome. That’s what it’s about being welcome into someone’s life and being accepting of that person. With Social Media today there is really no excuse! It’s about taking the time to reach out to one another and finding ones common interest. Paul indicates in 1 Corinthians 9:22 “I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel that I may share in its blessings”. I have girls hiking; movie or dinner dates even if it’s just once in while we find the time to enjoy one another’s company. Has it always been easy; absolutely not? Have I been unwelcomed sure; has it hurt me, YES! I try to remember Christ Words in Matthew 10:14; if anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet. Our goal as women of God is to live and know you are free and to free those around you. One more note- what about work friends? Well ask yourself the following:

If your friend left the company, would you still be in touch with her in a year?
If you had a personal emergency, would you consider asking your work friend for help?
Do you hang out with your friend outside the office? (Weekday lunch, dinner, and business trips don’t count.)
Do you and your friend have anything in common besides your age and your job?

If you’re lucky, someone you meet at work could turn into a friend for life. It happened to me.

For more from Yvonne Galindo, please visit her blog