Walking by Faith, Not by Sight
Janet Perez Eckles
Reblogged March 5, 2022
March 4, 2022
A few years back, the plane landed in Quito, Ecuador. I had packed excitement and anticipation in the suitcase of my heart. What joy it is to have the opportunity to address hundreds of women in this beautiful city.
And, as usual, I prepared my trip by calling the airline ahead of time. “I’m blind and I’ll be traveling alone. Can you provide an escort for me to navigate through the airport?”
They did. And once in Quito’s airport, the friendly escort led me through immigration, luggage claim and to the exit door. “My friend should be here any minute to pick me up,” I said.
We waited, and waited. No one came to pick me up. What would I do in a new city, with nowhere to go, no cell phone service and unable to see my surroundings?
But peace remained because that morning I had prepared my heart before leaving the house. I put on headphones, heard Bible verses and pondered in their meaning. God was in my heart, filling me with peace, with reassurance and confidence.
I carried all that as I waited for someone to pick me up. Two hours later they did.
It had become a habit for me. As I travel alone across the U.S. or abroad, these are the ways I manage to keep that calmness only God can provide. (NOTE: This post contains the first three of ten steps. The remaining 7 steps will follow on March 18 and April 1.)
- Make God a priority.
“How do you do it?” my friend said to me when she called to ask for prayer. “I try to make time for God, but life is so hectic.”
I smiled. I’ve been there. Kids’ demands the moment they open their eyes. Schedules need to be followed. Chores to do, places to go, husbands to please. When do we find time for God?
“It’s a decision,” I said. “It begins with the mind, the thoughts, and the resolve.”
When you set time for Him first, God will give you all you need. He will give time. He will give peace. He will give wisdom. That’s why the Bible says to…
Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:33)
- Set a time and place for you and Him alone.
I was a bit envious when my friend described the special place in her home for her quiet time with the Lord. She set a table by the window, placed a beautiful lavender candle, her Bible, a pad of paper, pen, and a group of cards with her favorite verses. She sat on a comfortable chair, making that spot the silent, quiet place to spend with the Lord.
Not me. Our home was so small that the place for me when my kids were little was the bathroom. With the door closed, it was only I and God.
God doesn’t look at the physical surroundings as long as our heart can be still enough to allow His precepts to penetrate our heart and His Word to seep into our soul. That’s when peace washes over us knowing that He not only sustains us but He’s the one who fights our battles.
The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still. (Exodus 14:14)
- Consider the rewards.
“I’m addicted,” my friend said. “Sometimes I even take my phone to the bathroom. I’ve got to check what’s going on, what my friends are up to, and post stuff myself.”
She tried to go into a Facebook fast. But it didn’t last. She tried to put her phone away; that lasted half an hour. She tried to find a friend to make her accountable, but the friend also struggled with the same social media madness.
That’s when she chose to exchange. She put aside the small rewards that social media brought. And, instead, she relished in the sweet joy that moments in the presence of the Lord gave her.
You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. (Psalm 16:11)
Let’s Pray
Father, from now on, my life will find moments in stillness before You. I thank You for the beautiful gift of peace you offer. In Jesus’ name.
What do your moments before the Lord look like?
Janet
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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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