Wednesday, June 14, 2006

Perception Is Not Reality

Tonight we had some dear friends in the fight over to our house for a meal and just to hang out. It was really really enjoyable, because we shared about what was going on in our lives, what God was doing, what our passions are and so on.

One area that Rob and I shared on in great detail was our frustrations since moving here to Charlotte in January. In hindsight, there is a long list of frustrations, delays and miscommunications that just made life harder in the daily grind. In the end, it always came back around to the present reality that we had never actually wanted for anything that we vitally needed, never starved or had to live on the street and ministry never came to a stand-still because of any of these obstacles.

That's a pretty amazing testimony, and it makes it easier to lean on God in current days as we get frustrated with delays and miscommunications and all that, because we know that God has got us covered, and He acts on behalf of those who wait for Him (Isaiah 64:4)
So then I was checking email, and found this in my inbox...again, I didn't write it, but I like it.

Perception is not reality
The lions may roar and growl, yet the teeth of the great lions are broken. - Job 4:10

In the advertising business we often say that "perception is reality" for the person who views our advertising message. It does not matter whether the audience believes the message to be true, only that they perceive it to be true. Their actions will be the same whether they believe it or only perceive it.

The enemy of our souls is very good at this game. He may bring on us what we perceive to be true when it is a lie. It may appear that there is no way around a situation. He may bring great fear on us. When we buy into his lie, we believe only what we have chosen to perceive to be true. It usually has no basis of truth. Such was the case when Peter looked on the waters during a night boat journey with the other disciples. At first glance, he and the disciples screamed with fear, thinking that what they saw was a ghost. It was actually Jesus.

Satan's name means "accuser." He travels to and fro to accuse the brethren. He brings an impressive front to all he does, yet behind that front is a weak, toothless lion with a destination that has already been prepared in the great abyss. He knows his destination, but he wants to bring as many with him as possible; so he often has a big roar, but little bite.

The next time some event comes into your life that creates fear and trembling, first determine the source. Look past the emotions and evaluate the situation in light of God's Word. Perception is not always reality. by Os Hillman


posted by:
Heather

8 comments:

Aurora said...

Once again, Heather, we're experiencing the same fight even from different ends of the country! Thanks for your posts. They always lift me up....and convict...in a good way!

Stephanie said...

I am so glad that I finally made it over to your house yesterday. You two are amazing people, and I am having trouble putting into words, or even complete thoughts, the feelings that I had when I got home. They were definitely positive feelings, but deep-rooted positive feelings. Anyways, all that to say I appreciate your hospitality, and I look forward to more evenings learning more about you.

By the way, my back porch swing is infested with chiggers!!!

Kathy said...

You guys are doing GREAT things...don't ever forget that. God has blessed the world with people like you.

YOU DONT KNOW MEEEeeee said...

i like having ppl over...

Sheri said...

thanks for sharing those amazing words...i'm still amazed at how God leads me to places of understanding while in the midst of a fight.

Rebekah Dooley said...

hey
love you. you are great
rebekah

Soulpadre said...

hospitality is the context for impartation...that's what the Holy Spirit did at Pentecost, and still does in the new living chapters of Acts being written in Charlotte, NC!

Kelly and I love you, and are praying for you. How was the puddle jumping last week!?

sixonefour said...

I realized that I have a very hard time voluntarily getting myself dirty and then not running inside immediately to change clothes and wash up...