• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Candidly Christian

Real Women. Real Life. Real Faith.

  • Blog
    • Most Recent
    • The Gospel
    • Faith
    • Prayer
    • Self Worth
    • Anxiety
    • Chronic Pain
    • Marriage
    • Parenting
  • Resources
    • Free Devotions
    • Candid Books
    • Free Resources
    • Gospel Balm Etsy Shop
    • Recommended Resources
    • Resources For Christian Bloggers
      • Blog Post Checklist
      • Writer’s Retreat
      • Christian Link-Ups
  • Scriptures to Live By
    • Bible Verses for When the Struggle is Real
      • Bible Verses for When You Feel Worthless
      • Scriptures for When Your Heart is Hurting
      • A Scripture To Trust God When You’re Afraid
      • Scriptures for When You Feel Inadequate
    • Scriptures for When You Need Help
      • Scriptures to Help You Overcome Self-Pity
      • Bible Verses to Help You Memorize Scripture
    • Scriptures to Live By When You’re Living for Jesus
      • Bible Verses About Hope
      • Bible Verses About God’s Love
      • Scriptures for the New Year
  • Learn More
    • About Our Ministry
    • Meet The Candid Gals
    • Contact Us
    • Belief Statement
    • The Legal Stuff
  • Get Involved
    • Join Our Prayer Team
    • Be Our Guest
    • Become a Candid Gal
    • Contact Us
  • Why Jesus?
  • Show Search
Hide Search
3 Ways to Look for a Different Perspective in the Midst of Difficulty

3 Ways to Look for a Different Perspective in the Midst of Difficulty

Laura Rath · January 25, 2018 · 24 Comments

Last year, for me, feels marked by a medical timeline. There was the jumping through hoops to get insurance pre-authorization, the planning and making reservations to be out of town for a length of time, and the monitoring of the medical bills—what insurance would and would not cover.

Throughout the months, I reminded myself to trust God every step of the way, and watched as He worked out the timing and details. But, when the final bills came in the mail, I felt myself start to panic. The amount we were responsible for was higher than what I had anticipated.

I had already set up a payment plan and I knew it would all work out, but seeing that final dollar amount caused my stomach to tense and my heart to pound.

What my head told me—that everything would be alright—was betrayed by the panic mode my body went into on its own.

Her head told her everything would be alright, but that was betrayed by the panic mode her body went into on its own… Click To Tweet

Have you ever been there?

As I sat at the kitchen table with bills and insurance paperwork spread out in front of me, I decided I had to look at it differently. I knew the total we would have to pay, but I wanted to know what our insurance company had already paid.

The two totals were not even close. In that instant, the panic I felt subsided, and all I could do was thank God for His provision.

The same dollar amount that looked so high now appeared to be so low—all because of a different perspective.

Sometimes, a different point of view makes all the difference in our attitudes, our outlook, and our response to God.

From a different view, I could better see how God was taking care of us. Instead of anxiety and worry, I felt peace.

3 Ways to look for a different perspective in the midst of it all

When we’re in the middle of a situation, it’s hard to see past what’s right in front of us. We may know God is at work, but it’s so much easier when we can actually see what He’s working on.

I knew God had been taking care of us financially, but when I was only focused on one dollar-amount, everything else became blurred. It wasn’t until I looked at the other total—the total we didn’t have to pay—that I could see His work more clearly.

Often, in the midst of our circumstances, we have to make an intentional effort to find a different perspective.

3 Ways to Look for a Different Perspective In The Midst of It All

1. Ask God

When we’re too close to what surrounds us, it’s difficult to see it from any other way. But God sees every detail from every angle. Ask Him to help you see the situation the way He sees it. Ask Him to show you what you need to focus on in that moment. And then in the next hour. And then in the next day. When we are unable to prioritize what needs our attention, God can. He knows what’s coming next and where we need to be looking.

2. Look for How God is Working

When we’re in the midst of something, it can feel as if God isn’t actively working. Our view becomes limited to what we can see, and we forget to look for what’s not as obvious. Sometimes we have to quiet ourselves to hear from Him and realize that no matter what we are dealing with, there is so much we don’t have to deal with. What is God keeping off of your shoulders during your current circumstances? Look for how He’s been at work and the blessings you’ve received despite your current day-to-day difficulties.

3. Remember How He’s Worked in the Past

Sometimes it’s too soon to see the opposite side like I did with the bills and insurance payments. As we ask God to show us a different way of looking at a situation, remember how He’s worked in the past. Is there a time when you couldn’t see where you were going, but had to trust Him along the way? Review that situation from start to finish, focusing on how God walked you through it. Our God is not a one-time God. Whatever you are facing, He will see you through it. Draw strength from how you’ve seen Him work in the past, and let it help you keep moving forward.

Every day, God is at work in ways we can’t possibly know about or understand, taking care of multiple details so we don’t have to. When it’s not easy to see, it helps to take a step back and intentionally look for Him, even in the smallest way.

Life happens, check out these three ways to look for a different perspective in the midst of it all… Click To Tweet

What’s been your experience? Has there been a time when a different perspective brought you peace, instead of worry and anxiety?

Related Posts

  • You Can’t Reap What I Sow – A Candid Moment
  • 5 Things You Need To Know About Taming the Tongue
  • 3 Ways to Look for a Different Perspective in the Midst of Difficulty
  • Our Hearts Desire
  • How Do You Fight Your Invisible Monster?

About Laura Rath

Laura Rath enjoys writing to encourage women in their walk with Christ. She shares stories of her own faith journey on her blog, Journey in Faith, and is a regular contributor for several Christian websites. Laura is a wife and mother and enjoys spending time with her family, reading, going deeply into God’s Word, and speaking at women's events. You can find her on her blog, as well as Twitter and Facebook.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Patricia says

    January 25, 2018 at 10:09 am

    Again, God has used your writing to bless and encourage, not only myself, but many others. Of that I am certain. One foot in front of the other with God leading the way, my dear. I promise you, from one who has been there that you and your loved ones will dance in victory with your hands raised praising God! As my Dad taught me, “Give time, time.”

    Reply
    • Laura Rath says

      January 25, 2018 at 10:35 am

      “Give time, time.” I like that ! Thank you for your encouragement Patricia! It means a lot to me. ?

      Reply
  2. Brenda says

    January 25, 2018 at 2:43 pm

    ((Hug)) Hope all the medical stuff has worked itself out and you’re healthy. — Great points, and, my word for this year is “Remember,” so that one especially resonates with me these days. Thanks for sharing today, and congrats to you. xoxo

    Reply
    • Laura Rath says

      January 25, 2018 at 9:08 pm

      Thank you Brenda. My word this year is Enough.

      Reply
  3. Susan Evans says

    January 26, 2018 at 10:23 am

    When we look for how God is working, we will be encouraged that all things will work out. Yes, God has been faithful in the past, and He will continue to be faithful.

    Reply
    • Laura Rath says

      January 26, 2018 at 10:16 pm

      Amen! ♥

      Reply
  4. Melissa says

    January 26, 2018 at 2:08 pm

    This is one of the benefits I have found to prayer journal because it allows me to look back at the previous week, month, and even year to see how my perspective at the time has changed and to see how God has used the situation and moved in my life.

    Reply
    • Laura Rath says

      January 26, 2018 at 10:32 pm

      What a great way to look back and remember!

      Reply
  5. Julie Loos says

    January 26, 2018 at 7:47 pm

    Laura- I love your tips here! Even when we don’t know how God can make it work out, He works it out sometimes in a different way then we expected! Great post!

    Reply
    • Laura Rath says

      January 26, 2018 at 10:34 pm

      Thank you Julie! ?

      Reply
  6. Alice Mills says

    January 26, 2018 at 8:14 pm

    Trusting God for provision is really one of the most important spiritual disciplines, I think. He has always given me my daily bread, but that doesn’t mean I haven’t been on my knees sometimes.

    Reply
    • Laura Rath says

      January 26, 2018 at 10:39 pm

      Right there on my knees with you Alice! Thank you for visiting here and for your comment. God bless!

      Reply
  7. Jessica Schneider says

    January 27, 2018 at 8:53 pm

    Truths I need to come back to like everyday! Thanks for sharing, I know what it is like to have a stack of medical bills. Something similar happened to us a month ago. I crumbled in tears, as the truth set in of all the bills we had to pay right after God had lead me to transition out of my job. And you know what? It all worked out. Somehow, I can really only claim God.

    Reply
    • Laura Rath says

      January 29, 2018 at 9:49 pm

      Trust and praise –what a difference it makes! Thanks Jessica.

      Reply
  8. Joanne Viola says

    January 28, 2018 at 5:43 am

    Laura, I hope all your medical issues were resolved – both physically and financially. Seeing as my One Word 2018 is “focus”, this spoke to my heart. Number 3 always helps me to put the present happenings into perspective. I find myself grateful when remembering the faithfulness of God and able to trust Him again. Have a blessed Sunday!

    Reply
    • Laura Rath says

      January 29, 2018 at 9:54 pm

      When I focus on how He’s made a way in the past (where I saw no way) I can’t not trust that He’ll do it again. Not always easy, but feels more natural the more I look back and trust forward. Thanks Joanne!

      Reply
  9. April Boyer says

    January 28, 2018 at 6:48 pm

    God is faithful! To think he can help us look at a problem in a new light is just- amazing. Thanks for bringing that into the ‘light’ for me to examine. Thanks Laura, and Heather!

    Reply
    • Laura Rath says

      January 29, 2018 at 9:55 pm

      Thank you April. Praying your week is off to a good start!

      Reply
  10. Maree Dee says

    January 30, 2018 at 11:08 am

    Laura, This was fantastic. I am sharing on my Facebook page. It goes so well with my theme on my blog. Embracing Life in the Midst of the Unexpected.

    Reply
    • Laura Rath says

      February 7, 2018 at 9:40 pm

      Thank you! I appreciate the share!

      Reply
  11. Kaalu says

    February 1, 2018 at 3:50 am

    Always trust in heavenly kindom

    Reply
    • Laura Rath says

      February 7, 2018 at 9:41 pm

      Amen!

      Reply
  12. Ann (His Whispers) says

    February 11, 2018 at 1:11 am

    Just wonderfully written and truly inspiring… Having a Godly perspective is so important to let Joy take control and move on with the strength of God.

    Reply
    • Laura Rath says

      March 2, 2018 at 5:35 am

      Thank you Ann! God bless!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Candid Moments

When you sign up for our email list, we'll send our Candid Moment devotionals right to your inbox.

We promise we’ll never send you spam! Take a look at our Privacy Policy for more info.

Please check your inbox (or spam folder) to confirm your subscription.

Let's Get Candid

Let’s Connect

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Recent Posts

  • Resist The Devil And He Will Flee
  • Pressure, Grace & Truth
  • An Open Letter to the Guy Who Stole My Car
  • Check Out These 3 Prayers for Physical Pain
  • Faith is Not a Feeling (& Our Grace and Truth Link-Up)

Recent Videos

Weekly LinkUps

Salt and Light Grace and Truth

More Christian Link-Ups

Candid Conversations

Click here to find out more.

Our Most Popular Posts

  • 3 Steps to Overcome Laziness
  • Only Jesus Can Heal The Pain In My Heart
  • Confessions of a Woman in Ministry
  • My (winning) Battle with Health Anxiety
  • 5 Verses to Help You Overcome Self-Pity

Support Our Ministry

Christian Books
Prayer Team
Visit Heather's Etsy Shop
Support Candidly Christian
Please note that CandidlyChristian.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.
Click here to find out more

Who’s Behind The Scenes?

Heather & Valerie
Candidly Christian was founded by Heather Hart; an internationally best-selling and award-winning author with a passion for the gospel of Jesus and a heart for women’s ministry. But it wouldn’t be possible without Valerie Riese; a wife, mother, author, and breast cancer survivor whose desire is to help women overcome anxiety through faith.

Click here to learn more about Heather, Valerie, and the rest of the Candid Gals.

Posts by Author

Heather Hart
Jaime Hampton
Jessica Schneider
Laura J. Marshall
Sarah J Callen
Sheila Schweiger-Rhodes
Sherry Chamblee
Stephanie M. Carter
Valerie Riese
See Your Name Here
Candid Guests

Our Favorite Planner

The Hope Planner
Affiliate Link

Candidly Christian Has Been Featured On…

Grace and Truth Link-Up Christian Blogger Directory

Top Christian Women Blog

© 2016–2021 | Privacy | Home