Perspective from the Mountain - Martin Wiles

Enter the Book Giveaway for Grits & Grace & God. Details on the sidebar.

Then they stood on each side of Moses, holding up his hands. So his hands held steady until sunset. Exodus 17:12 NLT

Hindsight is twenty-twenty. Height also has the potential to change perspective.

I sat on the jagged summit of Tray Mountain in northern Georgia, United States. Three hundred sixty degree views are normally enjoyed from this peak…but weren’t on this day. Cool winds of winter had settled in along with clouds from a stubborn cold front. What should have afforded me panoramic views beyond description now only delivered clouds, wind, and a brief view of what might have been. 

Height usually delivers a distinctive angle. It did for Moses. As long as he stood on the mountain with his arms held high, the Israelites won the battle against their enemies. When his arms grew tired and threatened to languish at his side, his brother and a close friend held them up. From his vantage point, Moses witnessed a victory. 

Normally, God’s perspective varies from mine. He’s like a Moses on the mountain while I’m more akin to a Joshua fighting in the valley. I suppose as Joshua and the Israelite army fought the long hard battle they looked up to the mountain and saw Moses’ raised arms and gained hope for victory. When I take on the mind of Christ by purposefully aligning my plans and goals with his, I too can count on victory. Mountain perspective takes into account the valleys but isn’t destroyed emotionally by them.

Perspective affects my actions and emotions. The Israelites could have given up or fought unskillfully. Seeing Moses spurred them on. Knowing that God sees the sunshine above the clouds I may be currently viewing brings happiness, contentment, and a measure of peace. These in turn prompt me to keep on keeping on. 

Viewing life from God’s perspective rather than my own gives me hope. God’s guidance is trustworthy because his love is unconditional. There will be times when it appears I might be losing. In those periods, I look to the mountain and remember no weapon formed against me shall prosper. 

What perspective do you have on life?

Prayer: God of power, we look to You for the correct perspective on our lives. 

______________________________

Thanks to all our faithful followers who are "sharing" our posts--please keep it up! We also invite you to follow and like us on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter. Help us spread God's encouragement through his love lines.