Perception is YOUR Reality
How can a group of people see the same thing but internalize something totally different? It’s called perception. Perception means “a way of regarding, understanding, or interpreting something.” When it comes to faith, the way we perceive things determines what we believe, and how we live out that belief.
In the book of Numbers, Moses sends twelve men to spy on the land they’ve been promised. In chapter 13, verses 17-20 he gives very specific directions as to what he wants them to look for. At the end of his list, he tells them to bring back some of the fruit of the land they are spying on. Why?
Perception Principle #1: Sometimes God will give you a glimpse of where He’s sending you to remind you of your anointing and your promises.
It’s easy to start our faith walk with fervor—and after a while, feel ourselves limping along. There are times when God will let us see a handful of the fruit of our future, so we’ll keep pressing on. When the twelve men return, only two relay a message of hope (Joshua and Caleb) while the rest look at the hurdles and size of their enemies.
Perception Principle #2: Poor perception will always look harder and longer at the enemy than the character of God.
This kind of perception is fear-based and presents a warped way of internalizing what’s presented. In verse 30, Caleb shouts, “By all means we can overcome them,” while fear shouts “…we will be devoured!”
Fear has a way of breeding chaos, and the Israelites clamored for new leaders and a ticket back to Egypt when Moses, once again, intervenes for the people. He blesses the perception of Caleb by affirming that he has a different spirit within him, and he will see the promised land he fully believes in.
Perception Principle #3: God sees your faith and rewards it. We must have a different spirit, because sadly, many around us see through faulty perception.
Gutsy Faith Challenge: Do a perception inventory. How do you view things in your life that look like challenges? Are you negative and defeated, or living with a different spirit and believing God?
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