Walking by Faith, Not by Sight
Janet Perez Eckles
Rebl/ogged September 12, 2020
September 11, 2020
Some years back, I eased into the large chair at the ophthalmologist’s office, my face pressed on the chin rest.
“Look straight ahead,” he said. “Can you see the light?”
“Hmmm…not really,” I answered.
He sighed. “After removing the cataracts, I was really hoping to recover at least some of your sight.”
“It’s okay. I’m not worried about it.” I gave him a genuine smile. “I have so many things to do and accomplish. God has His perfect timing. In the meantime, I cannot worry about what my eyes see or don’t see.”
He squeezed my hand. “I wish all my patients had your disposition. You sure have a contagious happiness within you.”
Happiness? Not sure if I agree. Superficial happiness is the last thing I seek. I learned that being “happy” came and went along with events and circumstances. And at one time, I had chased it, big time. Then, when I lost my sight, I groped for happiness but it had vanished in the darkness of my world.
It all changed.
All changed when Christ opened the eyes of my heart and freedom ushered in through the darkness. Joy visited my heart for the first time. That’s because there’s incredible comfort in knowing we don’t have to trust in what can change, hold on to what can end, lean on what might crumble, or count on what can vanish.
Recently, we experienced all the above as our world changed. So, what do we do? We hold on to what we can trust. We believe what we know is true. And, with Godly wisdom we avoid these three traps:
Avoid these Traps
Trap No. 1: We stop listening to the world, it’s messages and predictions. We stop looking to understand why and how. We refrain from searching answers and seeking solutions to the parade of problems. Instead, we look for God’s priority when He says, “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added onto you” (Matthew 6:33). The “things” we look for, He will bring. The explanations we expect, He will provide. And the promise for tomorrow, will prevail.
Trap No. 2: Long for what we had before. Yearn to go back to the “normal” of yesterday. And give in to the loneliness of our misfortune. Instead, trust in He who says, “Those who know your name will trust in you. For you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you” (Psalm 9:10). He promised He will never abandon us. That’s an invitation to seek Him in our tough days, to look for Him in our lonely moments. And call upon Him in our restless nights.
Trap No. 3: In Psalm 1:1, God warns us about this trap when He says blessed is he who does not look for advice and direction from the world. He does not welcome the company of those who sin and sin some more. And he who does not join the foolish mockers with their ranting and blaming (paraphrased).
Instead, “… his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law, he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers” (Psalm 1:2-3).
We had no choice when the world changed. But we have the choice to obey God when He directs us to what lasts, remains steady and trustworthy.
That’s why rather than dive into the news, we delight in His Word. Think about it day and night. Then we see the freshness of each day with renewed hope. We will produce what is needed in its perfect time. We don’t wither under the daily pressure or stress. And we embrace His promise that we will triumph, we will win and will prosper in all we do.
Let’s Pray
Lord, When I ponder about tomorrow, I’m tempted to slip into the traps the world sets for me. But only Your Word lifts me up, sets me free and reminds me I have nothing to fear. In Jesus name I thank you.
What traps do you need to avoid as you face each tomorrow?
Janet
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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.
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