Proverbs 3:5 –Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; (HCSB)

My friend’s mother-in-law invited Friend and Husband to dinner every Monday night and would serve their favorite fried chicken meal. MiL’s plan: They could enjoy their favorite meal without spending the time to cook it all. Friend’s perception: She thinks her chicken is better than mine.

After eating, Friend and Husband were free to enjoy the evening but nothing was done in the kitchen while they were there. MiL’s plan: They can enjoy a relaxing evening with no responsibilities. Friend’s perception: She doesn’t want me in her kitchen.

Because they each had their own skewed view, what MiL saw as pleasing; Friend saw as pushy. As MiL became more involved, Friend became more irritated. Instead of bonded in MiL’s caring, Friend felt bondage in her control.

There have been times my perception of God was skewed.

God’s plan: I know more about the situation than you can see and have a better way for you (Jeremiah 29:11). My perception: God doesn’t love me enough to give me what I want.

God’s plan: Be still and wait patiently until the time is right (Psalm 37:7a). My perception: God isn’t answering my prayers.

God’s plan: I am closing this door because that is not a path you need to take (Proverbs 3:6) My perception: I am comfortable on this path. Why is God making my life difficult?

Dr. Wayne Dyer said,” If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” Maybe if my friend had changed the way she looked at things, her relationship with her mother-in-law would have been one of happiness rather than hostility. Maybe if I changed the way I look at things, my relationship with God will be one of praise rather than pouting. May I praise His name forever.