Vision
We do not look with natural eyes, but with eyes of faith 2 Cor.5:7.
We do not look at the illness that threatens, the job that demoralises, the relationship that disappoints as if we are bereft and without hope, and without the arm of the Living God. We may suffer for a time with the ache of these things, but after “a little while” the Scripture says, our “God of all grace” Who has called us “to His eternal glory in Christ,” “will Himself restore [us] and make [us] strong, firm and steadfast” 1 Pet.5:10.
Our hope is not in the strength of our own resources to solve our problems, for “a horse is devoid of value for victory; neither does he deliver any by his great power” Ps. 33:17. Nor is our hope that the vice of troubling circumstances would have to loosen about us and allow us to breathe a little easier. Our hope is in the Living God – and in Him it is resolute and sure. The Lord God Almighty El Shaddai, the One Who hears us 1 Jn.5:14, Who is “mighty to save” Zeph.3:17. Our hope is patient and waits on Him, “the Lord” Who “does not delay” 2 Pet.3:9 but Whose timing is perfect Hab.2:3. Our hope is in His character and purposes and power.
We see with eyes of faith, with the assurance that God is at work in the details of our lives, with the assurance of His presence with us at all times, and in all circumstances. With the assurance that He is good and worthy of our trust, and that no matter what, He will work all things out for our good (Rom.8:28).
There are times when our vision blurs, when our circumstances and feelings and doubts are more vivid and real to us, our faith fades, and we begin to weaken and faint on the inside.
But He is near Ps.145:18.
Let’s return to Him Joel 2:13.
Let’s be still. And know that He is God Ps.46:10.
May He lead us beside the still waters, and restore our souls Ps.23:2-3.
May our eyes be fixed on Him alone 2 Chron. 2:12.
May no lofty thing exalt itself against the knowledge of our God 2 Cor.10:5.
May we see with eyes of faith (Hebrews 11:1).
For we walk by faith [we regulate our lives and conduct ourselves by our conviction or belief respecting man's relationship to God and divine things, with trust and holy fervour; thus we walk] not by sight or appearance 2 Cor.5:7.
But my eyes are toward You, O God the Lord; in You do I trust and take refuge Ps. 141:8.
Your message reminds me of Eph 6′s full body armour “take the shield of faith”…
With spring in the air, all our senses reminds us to run away from sin (just like Joseph did!), turn to God, and find peace.
Hmmm, so true. And what an amazing thought that God is able to work all things for our good, and is always working with a divine plan and our best interest at heart. And how quickly I forget this and become anxious and worry. Tozer says that ‘in spite of all our fears, we are not alone. Our trouble is that we think of ourselves as being alone.’ He is near, always.
Thanks so much for your thoughts here Desire, and for your mention of “the shield of faith” in Ephesians 6. I love the thought that not only does Paul urge us to look with eyes of faith, but that that faith is also our covering and shield, quenching the “fiery darts” of the enemy (Eph.6:16). Such a great reminder, thank you! :)
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This is a wonderful quote, thank you, Rain. What peace and reassurance and perspective it brings to know that “He is near, always” as you say here, and always at work with our best at heart. “He Who has called [us] is faithful” 1 Thes.5:24 :)
If you are writing a devo book this is surely one to earmark and be included. Only one who has walked through the shadow of the valley of death could write such pure and purified truth. Thank you for this Birgit. Thank you.
“our “God of all grace” Who has called us “to His eternal glory in Christ,” “will Himself restore [us] and make [us] strong, firm and steadfast” 1 Pet.5:10.”
This is a timely reminder for me as my husband has left me for another woman (we have been together 21 years and married for 14 years) – This quotation gives me hope that things will get easier for me.
Thank you for such a lovely positive message.
With love Freya xxx
@ngie, I so appreciate your encouragement here, thank you friend xo
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Freya, I am so sorry to hear this, this much be such a painful time. My heart goes out to you.
I so relate to what you’re saying about scripture giving us hope, and this one in 1 Peter, especially so. What an incredible promise of restoration.
With love and blessings to you xo