Perspective. It determines if we see the wonder of a new opportunity or the weariness of an old problem. What do you see in your current circumstances — wonder or weariness?  It’s likely your answer depends on how you feel about your situation.

won·der (noun) – astonishment caused by something extraordinary

I want to see wonder.  But right now, I’m experiencing a pivot. My son just became a high schooler and apparently, I’m becoming less cool. I’m becoming more focused on writing and more selective with other commitments. I’m recapturing my fitness routine with the hopes of releasing some excess pounds.

Whatever we feel we are becoming less of, more of, recapturing or releasing, there is potential in the window of this moment.  We can choose less doubt and more confidence in who God wants us to be. We can recapture a past goal or release an offense because the gift of time gives us the power of decision. There are many ways to use that power, but only one way promises wonder.

“NOW faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” – Hebrews 11:1 NIV

Some translations omit the word “now.” Yet, the activation of our faith is necessary if we want hope in our lives. Faith assures us of God’s presence and His control in and over all things.

At times, I’ve relinquished that wonder to the pressure of a moment, someone else’s failure or my fear about the future. Then the only thing I wonder about is how I will get out of the mess I’ve made.

But challenges and even accomplishments can create an urgency that ushers us into God’s presence.

To praise Him.

To seek Him.

To trust Him.

To rest in Him.

I know the potential for struggle exists as I go through my present pivots. You may sense a struggle with your pivot too. My “lack of cool” may strain a few conversations with my son. My tendency to over-commit may tug at my commitment to God. My desire to avoid muscle aches may battle my need to reach a healthier weight.

But if I become complacent about entering His presence, I miss the wonder of God. He wants me to experience His love, release my cares and watch Him do more than I can ask or imagine. He wants you to too.

Because even when life doesn’t look like we want it to, we can still look to God. He loves showing us glimpses of His glory.

In Christ, we have His strength for our weakness.

His forgiveness for our sins.

His peace for our confusion.

What are you becoming less of, more of, recapturing or releasing? If we make a list, we might be surprised at what we find. Some things will take time. However, we can take this moment and believe in the faithfulness of God. We’ll be astonished by the extraordinary.

 “NOW to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling or falling into sin, and to present you unblemished [blameless and faultless] in the presence of His glory with triumphant joy and unspeakable delight,” – Jude 24 AMP

He is able “to keep” us in the midst of the best pursuits and the worst of circumstances. Whether we’re encouraged and excited about life or we feel like everything about right now is wrong, there is a wonder within our grasp.

We don’t have to be anxious about the outcome, if we trust in the God who overcomes every obstacle to His plan. And right now, that’s a good reason to have hope in the heart and joy to the soul.

“Many, Lord my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare.” – Psalm 40:5 NIV