One of the ways the Lord gifted me is that I can observe a situation and often find a solution to make it better. But, like anything, something good taken to an extreme can become something bad. So if I’m not careful, I’ll walk into a setting and immediately notice what’s wrong with it or even how the enemy is working in it. And by constantly focusing on everything that’s wrong, my mind can easily get warped with negativity.
But a few years ago, the Lord spoke to me about changing my somewhat cynical perspective so that I can enjoy life and people more. And He did it in a surprising way.
A Surprising Perspective Change
I had a morning routine in a local gym where there were a couple regulars with certain issues upon which many Christians would likely frown. I desired to build a better relationship with these guys with the goal of making inroads with them about the faith. So I began to pray about how to go about this. I’ll never forget how God suggested that I start: “Why don’t you stop pinpointing every way the devil’s working in their lives and start to notice what I’m doing?”
That got my attention. With this, God reminded me that His Holy Spirit is at work all the time, everywhere and in every person. Therefore, rather than look at people and situations through the lens of “How is the devil working here?” I was challenged to discern, “How is the Holy Spirit working here?”
Tune In to God’s Work
God’s challenge to me began to change not only how I approached the guys at the gym, but every aspect of my life. By focusing on the work of the Holy Spirit rather than the work of the devil, I started to value each moment as an opportunity for God’s transformation in people and situations that I otherwise might have written off. Certainly, this isn’t always easy, and it definitely takes a retraining of the mind. But as I further explain in my book, Activating the Power of God’s Word, being tuned in to God’s work helps to overcome the negativity of the 24/7 news cycle and remain positive through what is going on around you.
You should also use this perspective for how you view your own life. What struggles do you currently face? Know that God hasn’t left you to deal with these by yourself. No, His Holy Spirit is at work in you even now, transforming you to be more like Jesus (see 2 Cor. 3:18). I promise that when you recognize the evidence of God’s work in your life, you’ll begin to be excited about the day as one step closer to your breakthrough. {eoa}
Kyle Winkler equips people to live in victory. His mobile app, Shut Up, Devil!, is the #1 spiritual warfare app; and his book, Activating the Power of God’s Word, uncovers 16 strategic declarations to transform your life. Kyle holds a Master of Divinity in biblical studies from Regent University. Get daily encouragement from Kyle on Facebook and Twitter.
