One of the major reasons the Bible was written was to teach us to expect the opposite of what we see in the world. Indeed, “I can’t believe my eyes” is a very spiritual statement, for we are called to walk by faith and not by sight. God tells us we must give to receive, die to live, and serve to lead.
One of God’s principles of opposites is found in John 3:30: “He [Jesus] must increase, but I must decrease.” In this world of opposites—what Pat Robertson calls “the upside-down kingdom”—“He who goes to and fro weeping . . . shall indeed come again with a shout of joy” (Ps. 126:6 NASB), and “He that loseth his life for my [Jesus’s] sake shall find it” (Matt. 10:39).
When fear comes, expect the opposite—faith to rise up inside you.
When symptoms attack your body, expect the opposite—God’s healing power to touch you.
When sadness tries to attach itself to you, expect the opposite—joy to flood your being.
When lack comes in, expect the opposite—God’s provision to meet your needs.
When confusion comes, expect the opposite—God’s peace to comfort you.
When darkness tries to cover you, expect the opposite—God’s light to shine on you.
For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty . . . that no flesh should glory in his presence. (1 Cor. 1:26–27, 29)
God chooses ordinary men and women for extraordinary work. In the midst of your destiny, if you feel unwise and weak, fret not. God is getting ready to move on your behalf and use you. The Sermon on the Mount was preached to lift us out of the valley of discouragement.
This famous poem says it best:
Doubt sees the obstacles
Faith sees the way
Doubt sees the darkest night
Faith sees the day
Doubt dreads to take a step
Faith soars on high
Doubt questions “Who believes?”
Faith answers “I.”
Anonymous
Remember, looks are deceiving—especially first impressions of your problems.