In Touch with Dr. Charles Stanley‏

Hey guys, here's something for today. I got this from my email address. Dr Charles Stanley is a really good preacher.

November 15
Perspective for Challenging Times
Ephesians 3:19-21
There are many ways we can fail to reach the goals that the Lord has for us. Today, I would like to focus on how our perspective can impede fulfilling His best for our lives.
For one thing, our thought process during times of difficulty can be detrimental to our success. In the midst of adversity, it is easy for our trust to flounder and for our eyes to drift from Jesus to the problem. Once our focus shifts away from God, the problem becomes magnified. Negative thinking can overwhelm faith and extinguish courage. Then we may be tempted to quit, which obviously thwarts God’s plan for our good.
What’s more, we tend to see the obstacle in terms of our own strength and resources rather than God’s. The apostle Paul clearly understood this, because he said, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13). The Lord’s ability and love are unlimited. Everything that we need, He will provide.
Too often, we miss God’s best because we view the obstacle as a problem instead of an opportunity. Realize that roadblocks are a way for the Lord to demonstrate His awesome power and grow our faith.
What happens when our focus shifts to a godly perspective on difficulties? Gloom turns to gladness, and we experience joy.
When God gave Joshua instructions, He revealed that Jericho would be defeated. But He doesn’t always show the whole picture; sometimes He reveals it little by little. Why? So we will learn to rely on Him daily—He desires that we look to Him for guidance today and trust Him with tomorrow.

For more biblical teaching and resources from Dr. Charles Stanley, please visit www.intouch.org.