God’s perspective

We live in a world where cyber bulling is the new norm, bad news is broadcasted more than good news and drama is blown up and celebrated. It’s easy to get preoccupied and become overwhelmed by all the problems around us, especially when we don’t see a solution available. One thing I love to meditate and think about in the Bible is observing how Jesus handled the many “problems” that came His way. I heard a quote once by Bill Johnson that said “Jesus lived carelessly, not in the sense that He was irresponsible but in the sense that he lived a life free of cares.” It really just reminds me again and again that Jesus was our walking display of what it is to have a true revelation of the culture of Heaven, a culture that is rich with endless provisions and grand promises.

“Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith! And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Luke 12:27-32)

Now notice the problems that Jesus is addressing in these verses, this is one of the reasons I love this passage so much. Jesus is talking specifically to people who are worried because they are facing an actual problem. Now I think I need to get specific here because nowadays not having the password to the wifi is considered a problem. So let me point this out, I don’t think these people are being dramatic. We’re talking about people that actually worried about not having food, water, and clothes available to them— now that absolutely constitutes as a problem worthy of a considerable freak out! Having necessities are definitely something to be worried about… right?

So here’s the catch, take a look at the passage and notice what Jesus’s solution to the people who are worrying. Verse 32-33 says “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor.” What a minute, are you guys reading the same thing I just read? Jesus’ solution to the people who are worried about not having their necessities met is to focus on the Kingdom, sell their possessions and give to the needy— not the solution that you’d be pumped to hear about would you? To sell and give your possessions away when you have an abundance is one thing, but in the midst of lack is another. It would be pretty violating to the mind if you had to give away what you have while being worried you won’t have enough wouldn’t it? But I see the ingeniousness behind this response because Jesus knows what needs to change— it’s not the amount of things or securing their necessities, it’s transforming their mindset behind it. 

Heaven’s Solutions

There’s two things that strike me in the solution that He is offering, He gives them a new belief and an action to support the new belief. The previous belief system that these people held said— We need to be worried about getting our needs met. Jesus comes and challenges this by saying to them “For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.” God has no intention to withhold from us, He actually loves giving good gifts to us! With this solution Jesus is challenging their previous beliefs and also giving a practical action (selling what they already have) that will reinforce and support that new belief. Does that sound harsh to you? Well it shouldn’t because God is more concerned about the state of your relationship with Him above everything else. Also, it’s important to note that Heaven has an abundance of solutions, an abundance of provisions and an abundance of promises which makes problems so minuscule in God’s perspective. The life that Jesus displayed was a life that accurately displayed the unconventionality of how the Kingdom of Heaven goes about solving problems.

Biblical Examples

Example: When Jesus and the disciples owed taxes Jesus told Peter to go fishing. He said when he would catch the first fish he was to look in its mouth for a gold coin to give to Caesar and that was how they were to pay their taxes— Problem solved.  (see Matthew 17:24-27)

Example: When Jesus and the disciples were crossing the sea and there was a storm so furious that the wind and the waves were coming upon their boat. The disciples were in a panic but when they found Jesus He was sleeping. Jesus didn’t seem to think this was as big of a problem that the disciples thought. His solution was to simply talk to the weather to change it— Problem solved. (see Mark 4:35-41)

Example: When Jesus was teaching to a giant crowd that hadn’t eaten yet and they were hungry. The disciples didn’t know how they were going to be able to pay to feed them. Jesus’s solutions was to take 7 loaves and a few fish, gave thanks to God and just start multiplying the food. Over 5,000 people were fed until they were full leaving 7 baskets left over— Problem solved. (see Matthew 14:16-20)

Perspective Is Key

I’m convinced that Jesus and Heaven never magnify a problem because with every problem comes so many solutions. I believe that if we had a true revelation of the Fathers love for us, understood the power in the authority He’s given to us and used every spiritual blessing that is available to us that we probably wouldn’t magnify or be overtaken with worry about our problems either.

I’ve really worked hard to adopt a new perspective around the “problems” I face. Instead of immediately reacting with worry or stress by not having a solution right away I’m intentionally trying to sit back and imagine how Father God and Jesus would be responding to the same problem as if it were theirs. Would they be freaking out right now? Would they feel exasperated because there are no solutions? I really don’t think so… Pausing for a moment and thinking about asking myself these questions has transformed so much, things that use to stress me out don’t really stress me out anymore. Instead of being terrified of a problem I almost get excited thinking about how God is going to solve it and show Himself off in the process. Every problem has a bigger and better promise attached to it. I know that my God loves me and He’s orchestrating everything out in a way that’s going to be for my good and give Him glory and with each problem that comes my way I know that He has already attached a Heavenly solution to it. Though I might not know what that solution is this second, I know that His character never changes and He will never let me down.