The word perception can be said to be the process by which people translate sensory impressions into a coherent and unified view of the issues around them; though based on incomplete, unverified and unreliable information, it is equated with reality for most practical purposes and guides the human behaviour in general.

Our perception plays a great role in the manner in how we view our situations and circumstances. It determines the extent to which we can rise above or fall when faced with trials and tribulations. It plays a substantial part of our knowledge and understanding; the more informed we are about a particular situation, the better placed we are in dealing with such.

This is observed in the life of the Apostle, Paul, whose life became of a catalogue of painful events, trials, afflictions and tribulations:

• He faced death so many times to the extent that he called a bluff on death.
• On five different occasions, he received thirty-nine strokes,
• Three times he was beaten with rods
• One he was stoned
• On three occasions, he was shipwrecked.
• He was left hungry and thirsty on so many occasions.
• He was left in the cold, was robbed and sometimes did not have clothes to wear.

His life was constantly at risk and by these sufferings; he will not qualify for a minister of God- by today's worldly standards. (2 Corinthians 11:23-27). Despite his ordeal, the apostle was confident to say that he would boast in his tribulations.

The word tribulation encapsulates every negative aspect of life; aspects that no one in their right minds would voluntarily choose and comprehend. It is synonymous to trouble, suffering, pressure, affliction and hardship.


Why would anyone rejoice and boast/glory in their tribulations this way. He knew that through the tribulation, there would be a character development: something positive. Thus, by our tribulations, we are able to discover this character development causing us to hope in God, which is unfailing (Romans 5:2-5).

While we go through our situations and circumstances, we must see such difficult times as times which God works through us in the development of our character. Most of the time, we want the experience and proven character, but we really do not want to go through the painful times. In other words, we want the benefits at the end but without the required conditions.

Sometimes we feel God has forsaken us due to these tribulations, but unknown to us, He is actually doing or carrying out His work: which will eventually help us in the next phase of our lives. He remains faithful. In other words we should see our present pains and sufferings as occasions or instances when God is taking us on a journey to discover the unfailing hope that is in Him.

Having been through so much suffering, torture and perils of death, the Apostle still gave thanks to God because by his sufferings, he was able to provide comfort and encouragement to others who were being afflicted. He acknowledged that the more he suffered for Christ, the more he was comforted.

It is important to note that while our natural perceptions may not always be wrong, they will always be limited and contrary to the way God perceives them. A person can only view or see things from the angle of being what they are (Human Beings) Isaiah 55:8-9.

We must therefore understand that we are limited in our perceptions as human beings but God sees all things and knows all things. He sits at the centre and has the best view, He knows the end from the beginning, therefore it will be wise to trust in and believe that He will do what He has said He will do.

We must however be cautious and careful as we go through tough times. The devil who is the god of this world can use those times (as visible as they are) to change our perception and our process of thinking. He makes indelible prints in our minds, causing us to see God in a different light and manner; knowing that the natural man is greatly influenced by the system of the world, governed by the use of logic, rationalism and science. We can only trust and depend on the Word of God if our perception will have to change.

Paul concluded on this issue when he advised that we renew our minds so that we are able to prove the various dimensions of God’s Will and perception; which is enveloped in listening to and studying the Word of God. For faith comes by persistent hearing and hearing (continuously hearing) by the Word of God. The more we discover and understand God, the more we are compelled and influenced to view our pains from God’s perception.






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