It’s a Matter of Perspective

Some see giants. Others see fruit.

That is how it was for Israel when Moses sent Caleb, Joshua, and ten others to investigate Canaan. If you remember the account from Numbers 13 you will recall that there were some pretty good reasons for the spies to be scared; namely several tribes that were opposed to Israel. The Amalekites, known for their brutal treatment of Israel were one of them.  But Caleb and Joshua didn’t focus on the obstacles. They focused on the prize, the reward from God for faith. The promised land contained both enemies and amazing fruit. Some chose to focus on the hardships. Some focused on God’s promise. The hardship and the fruit were both true of the land of Canaan. It’s just a matter of perspective.

There is a similar difference in perspective in Zimbabwe that can be seen today. Giant obstacles in life are real. Economic and political hardships have driven many professionals out of Zimbabwe. In what has been called a “brain drain,” top professionals such as health care workers and educators have left to find better opportunities elsewhere. This brain drain has led to worsening healthcare, weaker education, and slowing economic growth. At the same time, The Tide is breaking through the barriers of shifting demographics and economic turmoil by broadcasting the true message of the Gospel in local languages, such as the Ndebele, Shona, Fulfulde and Bulu languages. Some see hardships. The Tide sees the fruit that God can grow.

As Christians, we know that there is hope and that there is a promised land that awaits us. Our hope is in Jesus Christ. Our promised land is an eternity in Heaven. That is the message the Tide has been broadcasting for almost 80 years. Even when things look hopeless, even when others have left them, there is a God who loves them deeply, cares about them genuinely, and has promised to never leave them or forsake them (Hebrews 13:5).

A wise person once said, “Perspective doesn’t change reality. It changes how you view it.”  When it comes to investing in the souls of others, whether it is sharing the Good News of Jesus with a neighbor down the street or investing in the mission work of a radio ministry that is creatively sharing the Gospel around the world, our perspective will determine our involvement.  If we look at cultural differences, starkly different religious beliefs, or resistance to hear the truth of God‘s word we can focus on the giants.  But if we look at those things the way Caleb and Joshua did, we will be aware of them and yet trust God for the fruit.

Are the giants big? Yes!  Are the promises of God bigger? Here is what the Bible say:

For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through Him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God. 2 Corinthians 1:20.