How Do We See It?

How strong is your faith? Do you live your faith out on a daily basis? Do you see things through the eyes of the world, or with spiritual eyes? I heard an interesting insight into David and Goliath. The speaker said that David likely would have one of two possible reactions. The first reaction is that Goliath is very big, and I am very small, so I’d better be careful. This is how the world sees. The second reaction is through the eyes of faith. David looked at Goliath and said he is very big... how can I miss him? They both saw the size of Goliath, but the reactions were complete opposites. What about Jesus sleeping in the boat and the storm that threatened to destroy them? The disciples saw the storm as a natural force that would finish them. Jesus saw yet another thing that was subject to His authority. When Jonah saw the storm, as he was trying to run away from God’s call, he was terrified and ashamed. The crew and Jonah saw it as judgement from God and would not stop until Jonah was “sacrificed” to God. God saw it as a way of getting Jonah’s attention and even sent him an “uber” (large fish) to get him to his final destination. Then there is Joseph, Jacob’s son, who was sold into slavery. His brothers saw a way to end Joseph’s interference in their lives, while God saw a way to position Joseph to rescue their lives. There are so many other examples in God’s word. Does this apply to us today? Absolutely! Someone needs medical help. Do we first turn to doctors (which are used by God) or do we turn to God for a miracle or at least for His directions for the physicians? What about our prayers? Do we expect to see miracles and God’s clear intervention, or do we say the right things, but would be surprised if there was a miraculous outcome? When we worship, is it something we do because it is expected and something we need to do to get to heaven, or do we come to commune with God and fellowship with each other, longing to grow in our faith? The point is, do we see our lives as making the best of this world, or do we understand that we have been called to represent and serve the living God, the Creator of all things? 1 Cor. 15, “If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men.” O Holy Spirit, give us eyes to see the world, the people, and our circumstances as You do. Amen