Walking by Faith, Not by Sight
Janet Perez Eckles
Reblogged May 10, 2020
I invite you, dear friends, to step away from the chaos and take a little time to relish in the oasis of God’s Word. Here’s a clear instruction, direct guidance and a beautiful promise. They’re all tucked in these verses:
“The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And tSleflhe peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)
Did you know the best way to enjoy sweet peace and confidence is by exercising your memory?
I did that recently. I remembered what God had done for me during that dreadful episode of my life when my eyesight closed in.
Here’s what happened.
I sat at the kitchen counter, wrinkled tissue in hand. I thought I had no more tears to cry. But they still flowed. With no warning, an incurable retinal disease robbed my eyesight. I sank in a dark pit of gloom and desperation. With no treatment surgery or medication available, hope vanished along with my motivation to continue with life.
At 31, that life had turned upside down, tormenting thoughts about my inability to care for my 3-, 5-, and 7-year-old sons kept me awake at night.
I dabbed my tears with the edge of my pillow case and asked God for answers. I begged Him to heal my blindness and for a hint of hope to come back.
He answered. He granted what was important. And He did so in an unexpected and a beautiful way.
One morning, I ran my fingertips along the side of the bed to find my way out of my bedroom. I followed the wall toward my 3-year-old’s room. His whimper echoed in the hallway. “I can’t find my puppy,” he said.
Once in his room, I extended my arms toward him, and kissed his chubby cheek. “We’ll find him.”
I lifted his blanket and my fingers found the soft stuffed animal.
But finding a simple item didn’t compare to the needs my sons would have as they grew up. They needed a Mom who could see.
Lord, help us, I prayed.
God had listened to my cry.
The day after that incident, Mom came to visit. She sat beside me on the couch. “This is what we’ll do,” she said. “I’ll move in with you.”
She squeezed my hand with her thin fingers. “I’ll be your eyes.”
Her words caressed my heart with gratitude.
She left her comfortable condo and moved in a room in our house. With her loving flexibility, we established a routine. Years swept by. Her hair is now snow white, and at 90 lbs. and 4’9” tall, her love is as big as the city we live in.
Selfless Love
More than taking on some chores for the family, she taught me the value of selfless love.
She just turned 91 and hasn’t lost the spark in her voice that exudes confidence in the Lord. It’s more evident now as we face the current circumstances that shake our world.
Her mind is sharp, and her faith is strong. Her trust, peace and joy remain.
And what remains in my heart is the desire to give that same gift to my own sons. In the midst of adversity could I imitate my Mom and live out Philippians 4:6?
My prayer has changed. Asking for healing of my blindness isn’t my main priority anymore. I placed these requests before the Lord instead:
Lord, grant me enough faith so my sons can see me praising God even when all falls apart. Help me to express gratitude for big and small things. Show me, Lord, how to erase fear and worry with my words that echo Your promises even when I cannot see tomorrow, will you show me how to embrace Your peace for today. And as my sons grow up and lead their own families, will You remind them life is not about seeing our surroundings, but allowing others to see the love in us.
I pray this Mother’s Day you find happiness in the gift of being a mom.
How can you find a way to change a prayer of despair into one filled with hope?
Janet
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Did you know I wrote a book filled with words of encouragement, uplifting thoughts and illustrations of real-life triumph to empower you? Its title, Trials of Today, Treasures for Tomorrow: Overcoming Adversities in Life. You can get it HERE.
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Janet Perez Eckles’ story of triumph is marked by her work as an international speaker, #1 best-selling author, radio host, personal success coach and master interpreter. Although blind since 31, her passion is to help you see the best of life.
Old Things R New 
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