Find Spiritual Growth with Us (14)

Changing Our Perspective—When is Enough Really Enough?

I was frustrated and confused. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t cut the stems for my floral arrangement. My friend, a healthcare professional, observed silently before holding up a few flower stems and asking how many I saw.

“Five,” I answered confidently.

“It’s three,” she corrected me. Then she asked, “Why did you fall earlier?”

“I lost my balance,” I admitted.

“You need to get your eyes checked.”

A trip to the ophthalmologist and retina specialist revealed devastating news—I was now blind in one eye. The doctors confirmed that no further surgery could restore my sight. I had just left the high-stress corporate world, seeking a more peaceful life, but I wasn’t prepared for this.

However, when I put on my prescribed glasses, the world changed. Everything became sharp and clear—especially brake lights. Without glasses, they were just red blobs. With them, they were crisp and distinct.

It made me wonder—what else had I been missing?

This wake-up call led me to a deeper realization: I needed to return to God in a more intimate, holy, and obedient way.

“Therefore, say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts: “Return to Me,” says the Lord of hosts, “and I will return to you,” says the Lord of hosts.” (Zechariah 1:3)

A World That Feels Blurry

Today’s world is chaotic—economically, socially, and spiritually. Prices soar, wages shrink, and uncertainty looms everywhere. It feels like everything has been turned upside down.

But has it really?

The truth is, we’ve always clung to the illusion of certainty. In reality, life is inherently uncertain. What have we been missing? Perhaps it’s time for a new perspective—one that focuses on what we can change.

We can control our choices, our attitudes, and how we create opportunities for others amid uncertainty. And most importantly, we can return to God.

Like the prodigal son, we need to recognize that only God provides true certainty. When we rest in Him, we have enough.

“The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.” (Psalm 23:1)

Lessons from David and Solomon

King David lived a life filled with trials, battles, and hardships. He lacked the wealth, wisdom, and prestige that his son Solomon later attained. Yet, David reached the profound conclusion: “The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.”

Despite all his struggles, David found fulfillment in God.

Solomon, in contrast, had everything—wisdom, riches, and peace. Yet at the end of his life, he lamented that it was all meaningless, declaring:

“Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.” (Ecclesiastes 1:2)

Despite his unparalleled success, Solomon felt unfulfilled.

The contrast between father and son teaches us that fulfillment doesn’t come from wealth, status, or even wisdom. It comes from making God our Shepherd. Only then will our hearts find contentment.

Perspective on Pace and Direction

Regaining focus in a confusing world isn’t just about clarity—it’s about trusting God’s timing.

Returning to God helps us understand our purpose, shaping not only our direction but also our pace and our role in life. As leaders, followers, and servants of God, we must ensure that the “lyrics” of our lives match the “melody” of His plan. We can’t just lead people where we want to go. We must meet them where they are and guide them at God’s pace toward His green pastures.

Perspective on Greener Pastures

Where are the greener pastures we long for? They are not in promotions, possessions, or personal achievements. They are in heaven.

Life brings challenges and change, but with every shift comes the opportunity to witness God’s grace. The key is not striving to find greener pastures but surrendering to let God lead us there.

When we trust Him, we realize that abundance is not about having more—it’s about recognizing that we already have enough.

From One Generation to the Next

Years ago, when my son Joey was little, he had to undergo surgery and remain in isolation afterward. In the sterile pre-op room, as the nurse inserted a needle in his arm, he turned to me and asked, “Mommy, will everything be OK?”

Despite my fear, I forced confidence into my voice and assured him, “Yes, it’s going to be OK.”

Fast-forward years later, the roles were reversed. I was the one in the hospital for surgery. Before I went in, Joey—now grown and strong—squeezed my hand and repeated those same words back to me:

“Mommy, everything is going to be OK.”

Life will always be uncertain, from generation to generation. But one thing remains unchanged: God’s faithfulness. That’s the legacy we must pass on—not just knowledge, wealth, or success, but succession in faith.

A New Perspective on “Enough”

We often chase after “more” because we fear we don’t have enough. But when we return to God, we see that we already do.

We move from the unknown to the known, from fear to hope. Let’s choose to see life through the lens of faith—trusting that in God’s hands, we are never lacking. He is our Shepherd, and we shall not want.

Come join us for the Spring Evangelical Service and Spiritual Convocation (ESSC). Bring your family and friends as we understand what it takes to return to God and pursue spiritual growth life at home, work, and beyond. Save the date, and we look forward to seeing you!

Thursday, April 17, 2025 6:50PM to 8:10PM
Friday and Saturday, April 18-19, 2025 9:00AM to 8:10PM
Sunday, April 20, 2025 9:00AM to 1:00PM

Please find our church location below:

4N550 Church Road
Bensenville, IL 60106
 Google Maps

In the meantime, please feel free to join us for our regular Sabbath (Friday evening and Saturday) services online or in-person.

Friday Evening Service:  7:50PM – 9:00PM

Saturday Morning Service:  10:50AM – 12:00Noon

Saturday Afternoon Service:  1:30PM – 2:40PM

Email us at ilovejesus@tjc-chicago.org