Straining to see His promises?
Credit: Getty
About nine years ago, I visited LensCrafters for an eye exam. As I gazed at the distant letter chart, everything below the second row was a blur, unless I squinted. Yet, with the handheld card at reading distance, I could effortlessly discern every row, even the tiniest text at the bottom.
My optometrist diagnosed me with nearsightedness, or myopia—a condition where close objects are clear, but distant ones are hazy. This misalignment in my eye's structure caused light to bend incorrectly, which was especially challenging for my vision at night—a phenomenon known as night myopia.
Upon receiving my first pair of glasses, the world transformed. Colors burst forth more vividly; text sharpened; even the floor seemed closer. I stood in the mall, awestruck, exclaiming, "Wow, I can see. I can really see!"
In the same way that we need eyeglasses to correct natural myopia, so too must we address the spiritual shortsightedness that clouds our divine perspective. We often struggle to envision God's greater plan, particularly during life's darkest seasons, when the path forward seems shrouded in shadow. It's like driving at night with myopia; without the Word's light, hope dims, and God's goodness becomes obscured.
My Eyes Strain
In the depths of our struggles, we empathize with the psalmist of Psalm 119:123, who, amidst persecution and anguish, expressed an earnest longing: "My eyes strain to see your rescue, to see the truth of your promise fulfilled." This heartfelt cry echoes the spiritual night myopia we often experience—when God's promises feel distant, and our spiritual vision dims in the dark.
The psalmist's lament is not unfamiliar to us. It's a sentiment that resonates deeply when we're in the throes of our own night seasons, where hope seems like a flicker about to be extinguished. Our spiritual eyes, unaided by the luminescence of faith, strain to see the deliverance that feels so remote, much like I squint to see through the veil of darkness without my glasses.
But what if we embraced the Word of God as our divine prescription? What if we allowed the Scriptures to correct our blurred spiritual sight?
Consider the captives in Babylon, living through seventy years of exile—how could they manage to envision freedom when liberation seemed beyond the horizon? God's Word pierced through their temporal myopia with a promise in Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
See, God's Word is the antidote to our myopic tendencies, the remedy that sharpens our focus on distant blessings we've yet to behold. It's the promise that stretches beyond our current view, assuring us that He orchestrates our tomorrows with purposeful design.
We've all felt the strain of peering into the future, seeking signs of God's faithfulness amidst seeming stagnation. Questions arise: How will God navigate us through this? Where is the evidence of His work in our lives? In these moments of uncertainty, God extends an invitation—to trust in His Word, our spiritual corrective lens that magnifies our faith and extends our sight to distant possibilities.
Faith Lens
Without faith, birthed from the Word we hear (Romans 10:17), our spiritual perception is hindered, unable to discern the magnificent plans God has laid out for us. His promises, though steadfast and sure, remain obscured without the clarity that faith brings.
My natural eyes, unassisted by glasses, cannot perceive the horizon's details. But just because they're unseen doesn't mean they're nonexistent. Similarly, our spiritual vision, without the aid of faith, can't grasp the wonders God has prepared for us. But just because what He’s doing is unseen doesn’t mean His work is nonexistent. Jesus said, “My Father is always working, and so am I” (John 5:17 NLT).
So, take hold of faith this day. Cling to it as if your destiny depends on it—because it does. Faith is the key that unlocks the vision of your future, one where it's not too late, the story isn’t over, and better days await. With faith, you'll see that God's hand is still guiding you, that your purpose is unfolding, that the masterpiece of your life is still being painted by the Master's brush.
With faith as our lens, we'll witness the unfolding of God's master plan, a canvas where every stroke of difficulty contributes to a larger, more beautiful picture—one that only divine vision can fully appreciate. God's hand is steady, His vision perfect, and His promises sure. Hold fast to faith, and watch your spiritual sight expand to see His glory at work in your life.
“God is going to give you spiritual insight, revealing Himself to you in new ways. Prepare to see the spectacular things He’s about to do! ”
Spiritual Vision
2 Kings 6:8-22, a scriptural passage that unveils the power of spiritual sight, takes us into events that unfold amidst the tumult of war. The King of Aram lays siege to Israel, only to be continually outmaneuvered, thanks to the prophet Elisha, who divinely warned Israel's king, safeguarding the nation time and again.
This cycle of divine intervention left the Aramean king bewildered and enraged, suspecting betrayal within his ranks. Upon discovering that Elisha was the source of intelligence, the king sent a force to capture the prophet, encircling the town of Dothan under the veil of night.
At dawn, Elisha's servant beheld a sight that struck terror in his heart—the enemy's army, ready for battle, surrounding their refuge. Panic ensued. But Elisha, with calm assurance of divine protection, uttered words of comfort, "Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them."
Perplexed by Elisha's serene confidence, the servant saw no evidence of this hidden reinforcement. It was then that Elisha prayed for the Lord to open his servant's eyes, and the veil lifted. The hills around them brimmed with celestial forces—horses and chariots of fire. It was a vision—“Raah,” a Hebrew term that transcends mere sight to encompass prophetic vision. Raah is the miraculous ability to perceive the spiritual realm that lies beyond our ordinary senses. This moment of revelation was not just a display of power; it was an education in trust and divine perspective.
Fascinatingly, Dothan, the ground of this spiritual enlightenment, also witnessed Joseph's descent into slavery—a dark chapter that, through the narrow lens of immediate circumstance, spells tragedy. Yet, with spiritual foresight, we discern God's orchestration at work, weaving even the direst of events into His redemptive plan.
Joseph stood steadfast, not succumbing to a myopic view of his adversity. His faith unwavering, he eventually declared to his brothers in Genesis 50:20, "But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good."
This is the transformation that occurs when we peer through the lens of the Word. Our myopic vision, which narrows our gaze to the immediate woes, expands to embrace a broader vista of God's eternal purpose. We begin to proclaim with conviction that the challenges we face, however formidable, are being molded by divine hands for a greater good. We can boldly affirm, “I see myself in the future, and I look much better than I do right now!"
As we confront our battles, may we receive that "Raah," the spiritual vision that Elisha's servant did. For with faith, we can see the invisible, believe the incredible, and receive the impossible.
Higher Perspective
Limited vision may convince you that circumstances are permanent, but a higher perspective reassures, “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18 KJV).
Limited vision might whisper that struggles are endless and change elusive, yet a higher perspective confidently affirms, “And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you” (1 Peter 5:10 ESV).
Limited vision fears defeat by adversaries, but a higher perspective boldly proclaims, “When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him” (Isaiah 59:19 KJV).
Limited vision foresees only calamity, but a higher perspective promises, “For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock. And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me” (Psalm 27:5-6 KJV).
I reflect on a cherished congregational song from my childhood, “In the Word of God, I’ve got a hiding place,” that aligns with the scriptural truth: “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust’” (Psalm 91:1-2 NKJV).
Do you see how the Word transforms your view, corrects your mindset, and elevates your hopes? My friend, I declare Raah over you—that God would awaken your divine insight, enabling you to perceive the bright future that awaits.
God sent me here today to assure you that a season of abundance is on the horizon. Anticipate brighter days ahead. The victory is yours. Do not be preoccupied with the limitations of your physical sight; instead, embrace your faith and envision the possibilities that lie before you.
To embolden you, I’m infusing your cup of inspiration with the words of Hebrews 11:1, which declares, “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see” (NIV).
As you savor the wisdom in your cup, I believe God is expanding your view, deepening your understanding, and enhancing your spiritual vision, empowering you to confidently face each chapter, secure in the knowledge that greater things are on the way!
Embrace this message with conviction.
Now, join me in prayer.
Heavenly Father, I am grateful for the assurance that my current circumstances are not the final chapter. You have prepared a future filled with Your blessings for me, beyond what I can currently perceive. I ask that You ignite my spiritual vision so that I may see my present and future through the eyes of faith, eagerly expecting Your unwavering presence, Your wondrous works, and Your extraordinary favor in my life. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
If you desire prayer, please allow me, along with my intercessory prayer team, to stand in faith with you for breakthrough. We would be so honored. We have seen God work over and over again. There is power in agreement. Click here to request prayer now.
As always, thanks for reading and until next time... may today's cup of inspiration uplift, encourage, and empower you!
