“If our vantage point relies on our natural vision, we will likely lose hope and miss out on joy whenever life gets difficult. But if our vantage point is like Paul’s — a vision of unseen realities based on revelations God has given us in Scripture — even our most challenging circumstances can be lined with hope.”- Chip Ingram
“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”- 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (NIV)
Chip Ingram continues Chapter 6 of I Choose Joy as he stresses that the apostle Paul never learned the keys to joy and hope in a vacuum. Rather, he discovered those keys in the fires of affliction. And Paul’s secret? As Pastor Ingram observes, Paul chose the right perspective — a strategic vantage point.
Furthermore, Chip considers this definition of a vantage point most relevant. According to Collins Online Dictionary, it’s a position that allows a clear, broad view or understanding. Hence, Chip asserts, we need to ask more than just Where is my hope? Thus, the author exhorts us to take it a step further. We must also ask, From what vantage point am I looking for my hope?
In conclusion, Chip offers these thoughts on 2 Corinthians 4:18. He states:
“Did you notice the visual words in that last verse? It’s all about what we ‘look at’ and ‘see.’ With the right vantage point, we see things that are unseen. Our natural eyes see what is temporal, but eyes of faith see what is eternal.”
Today’s question: What Bible verses strengthen our vantage point that lines our most challenging circumstances with hope? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Headed for disaster?”