Trials are a big part of our daily life, but some are much bigger than others. When difficult situations arise that have a great impact on our lives they have a tendency to become the focus of minds.  It is as if we get a magnifying glass and repetitively scrutinize our problems. Here in this whirlwind of thoughts, fear creeps in and worry takes over. In this moment, spiritual wisdom and discernment quickly fade to carnal / natural reasoning. We can be sure that when our hearts are no longer at rest our thoughts are not coming from God. It is at times like these that we must follow the example of the apostle Paul: “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:16-18). When we face great trials we must fix our eyes on what is unseen. This is the life of faith to which we have been called! It is the core essence of Christianity to not see the world through carnal / natural eyes, but to look into heaven and discover the perspective of the God who loves us. This is how our Lord was able to walk in the Spirit while He was being brutally mocked, beaten, and killed. His eyes were not fixed on His trials, but on the eternal glory that His father was accomplishing (Hebrews 12:2). Likewise, we too can share in Christ's power by simply setting our minds on things above.

As you face your trials today, start training your mind not to see with natural eyes. This can be done by praying and asking God to reveal His perspective on your circumstances. When you ask, try to quiet your fears and think about what is written in the Bible about situations like yours: people using you, things not going your way, or suffering loss (Nave's Topical Bible - available free online may be helpful). Take the time to let Paul's words in 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 sink into your heart, let it become a reminder for you every time you are tempted to think about your circumstances through your own natural reasoning. You can be sure that if you are fearful or worrisome that you are not seeing things from God's perspective. Reject your thoughts and accept God's: “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” (Romans 8:28). The key to trusting God when you don't understand what He is doing is believing that He loves you. Once you are sure that God isn't out to damage you, but to train you to walk in everlasting joy it becomes easier and easier to accept trials from His hand.

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. (Colossians 3:1-4)