Walking by Faith, Not by Sight
Janet Perez Eckles
Reblogged January 22, 2021
January 22, 2021
Remember those days when Zoom was just a silly word? Remember those days when we attended conferences, public events, and concerts in person?
I recall those days. And during one of those conferences, I sat in the back row. The speaker approached the podium and began his talk with humor. But shortly into his story, he related something that made my nose wrinkle in disgust.
I turn to the friend beside me. “Did he say what I thought he said?”
He sure did. With a matter-of-fact tone he announced he made jewelry out of, are you ready…moose droppings!
Nope. I’m not kidding. (Friends, check the picture below to prove it.)
The art of creating these pieces of jewelry depends on the vision of the artist. He has the outcome and the end result in mind. The unpleasant material isn’t the focus, the end product is.
The same applies to the events of today. What we have to work with is not just stuff that stinks, but unpleasant events, shocking episodes, evil, lies and disturbing news all around.
But what are we going to do with it all?
The choice is up to us.
If while facing the not-so-pleasant situation of the world, we rebel against God, we create misery.
We ridicule His Word. We create our own pain. We disregard His call. We go to bed in despair and wake up desperate.
But on the other hand, if we face the same stinky situation and turn to God, security visits. If we choose to serve Him, peace reigns. If we choose to seek him, blessings pour. And if we obey His instructions, the ending brings triumph.
Here’s how God compares those who choose to forsake Him while driving down the road of pride. In contrast, He addresses the future of those who choose to serve Him.
“But as for you who forsake the LORD and forget my holy mountain, who spread a table for fortune and fill bowls of mixed wine for destiny, I will destine you for the sword, and you will all bend down for the slaughter; for I called but you did not answer, I spoke but you did not listen. You did evil in my sight and chose what displeases me.
Therefore, this is what the Sovereign LORD says: ‘My servants will eat, but you will go hungry; my servants will drink, but you will go thirsty; my servants will rejoice, but you will be put to shame. My servants will sing out of the joy of their hearts, but you will cry out from anguish of heart and wail in brokenness of spirit.
You will leave your name to my chosen ones as a curse; the Sovereign LORD will put you to death, but to his servants he will give another name. Whoever invokes a blessing in the land will do so by the God of truth; he who takes an oath in the land will swear by the God of truth.
For the past troubles will be forgotten and hidden from my eyes.” (Isaiah 65:11-16)
Jesus gave this same message when He said He overcame the trouble-filled world. And if He is our Savior, overcomer and redeemer, serving Him is the only option to reach the richness of life. Then He will restore. He will rebuild and redeem His own.
As servants we possess the peace few know. The confidence most seek. And the triumphant freedom everyone longs for. Christ’s servants live with the expectation that His hand will take us through, lift us up and shield us to the end.
Let’s pray.
Father, grant me wisdom to choose not to focus on the events, the chaos, the mess out there in the world. Show me to prepare my heart to love You more intently, to serve You more diligently and to trust in You more firmly. In Jesus’ name.
In view of today’s events, whom will you serve?
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.
CLICK HERE for a one-minute inspirational video.
Looking for a speaker for your upcoming event? A great speaker makes the difference between a so-so event and one that shines with impact. I invite you to view one of my two-minute videos HERE.
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Some say she should be the last person to be dancing. Her life is summarized in this 3-minute video: http://bit.ly/1a8wGJR
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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