“Remember C + P = E. Circumstance plus perspective equals experience. If you take perspective out of that equation, you’ll end up disappointed, frustrated, depressed, and eventually disillusioned. If you remember how vital perspective is, you can choose joy in any season of life — even the hard ones.”- Chip Ingram
Chip Ingram concludes Chapter 2 of I Choose Joy with two ways to pray for people, even when we’re under pressure. The apostle Paul answers those questions in Philippians 1:9-11.
1. Think about those who have loved you the most. First, Paul thanked the Philippians. Because they supported him financially and sent a visitor to check on him. For Paul depended entirely on visitors for food, personal needs, and emotional support.
2. Pray for those you think about the most. However, Chip observes, we spend a lot of time thinking about the people who offended us the most. But, Chip exhorts, it’s better to think about the people who love us the most. And pray for them as we think about them. Above all, it’s even better if you can pray for those who offended you.
Furthermore, Pastor Ingram explains:
“It’s fine to pray for people’s felt needs and for God to help them in the trials they are going through, but sometimes we need to go further. Paul tells us in [Philippians 1:10-11] specifically what he was praying for the people he cared about. I love those prayers because I want God to answer them for the people I love.”
In conclusion, Chip states, the prayer Paul prayed for the believers was powerful. Because it focused upward and outward for God’s glory. For the goal of this profoundly theological and personal prayer centers on God’s even greater plan for the lives of others.
Hence, the ultimate goal involves making us more like Christ. Consequently, we become change agents. And as catalysts, we facilitate transformation in the people and situations around us.
Today’s question: When do you find yourself prone to take perspective out of the equation? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “The zigzag journey of God’s people”