Do we see things with clarity? Or do we see imperfectly through the lens of our expectations? In my devotional today, I want to share about a recent experience which gave me something to ponder in the message of 1 Corinthians 13:12 (NLT):
“Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely.”
The Unclear Picture
I received a nomination for my recent book and an invitation to attend the awards ceremony. A thrill filled my spirit and joy overflowed. And as the ceremony weekend approached, I packed with great anticipation as thoughts of my red-carpet moment danced clearly through my mind. Then we drove for several hours as a festive mood filled the car. But the vision did not last.
The time arrived for us to dress for the glorious event. And upon opening my garment back, I discovered I had packed two glittering, sequined tops and no matching skirt. I dug through my suitcase as panic set my heart racing, but found nothing. The event started in an hour and I plopped down on the bed as tears threaten. But I did not give up because I wanted my moment. So, we raced to one store and then another, in search of a new outfit befitting the event. I found a dress at a reasonable price and scooped it up.
Back in the car, I changed only to discover a broken zipper and only thirty minutes till the start with a twenty-five-minute drive ahead of us. As my husband drove, I debated my options. So do I give up and head back to the hotel in defeat? But I still had my glittering tops in the back seat when I noticed one of them sort of matched the color of the broken dress. I slipped it on over the dress and snapped a photo to send to my girls for their opinions. We all agreed it looked acceptable, and we continued onward.
Lesson Learned
I did not win the award, but I found joy as we clapped and cheered on the other authors who won in their categories. And the outfit disaster took the focus off me and drew my attention to the importance of celebrating the nomination and the accomplishments of others. Sometimes, we think we see the vision clearly, but then God shows us His truth for the dream.
In this verse, Paul describes our knowledge of God and His ways as incomplete. Through the Bible and the people in it, we catch only a glimpse of what we can know about God. Paul describes this partial knowledge of God as seeing a reflection in a dim mirror. We think we understand, but God’s mind we will never fully know it as Paul tells us in Romans 11:34 (NLT): “For who can know the Lord’s thoughts? Who knows enough to give him advice?”
In this present age, we experience of vacuum where truth is subjective. Many, even in the church, see the truth of the Bible through a lens of an imperfect reflection based on personal perception. Instead, we want to see things as we want them to be, not as God intended them. We must journey on the path to clarity by looking to the Bible for truth.
Ways to Biblical Clarity
Here are three steps to tune into God’s voice to find Biblical truth. So, let’s embark on a journey towards Biblical clarity with an unwavering faith – because with God, all things are possible.
- When tempted to seek truth from the world’s perspective, we can turn to the Word of God for his truth. When we start with Scripture, we set our foundation in God’s Word and we can check our hearts and desires against God’s instructions.
- Surround yourself with the people of God. Seek the wise counsel that can bring clarity to our life, and point us to God’s truth in all circumstances.
- When we choose to look to God for his truth, we need to make time for silence so we can listen for his voice of truth.
Perfect Clarity
As Paul ends in 1 Corinthians 13:12, “but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely.” So, perfect clarity will come once we reach our heavenly home. But for now, faith guides us when we don’t understand what happens around us. And finding security in trusting God is not about having all the answers about the future. It’s about having faith that no matter what happens, God is in control. And this trust brings a sense of peace and comfort, knowing that there is a higher power looking out for us. Trusting God allows us to let go of our worries and fears, knowing that we are not alone in facing life’s uncertainties.
“5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. 6 Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT).
Prayer for Clarity
Heavenly Father, guide me this day to your Biblical truths and lead me to clarity in your truth. And please help me put my faith in you even when the way before me feels dark and I’m unsure of the path. Thank you, that you invite me to trust in you and not to lean on my own understanding. In Jesus’ Holy Name I pray. Amen.
Grace and Peace to you,
Yvonne M. Morgan is a Christian #author, #blogger, and #speaker. #BibleGatewayPartner
Matthew 28:19 “Therefore, GO and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”
Additional Resources:
I felt your panic! A cousin bought an expensive dress for an out of town event. When she went to put it on the night of the event, the store had failed to remove the anti-thief contraption at the bottom of the skirt! She couldn’t get it off. We definitely need the mind of Christ in our everyday challenges.
I hope everything worked out for her. We do need to keep our eyes on Jesus every day. Blessings Debbie.
I’m so glad you persisted and went to the ceremony. Your jacket with the dress looks purposeful, not at all like you’re trying to cover up a broken zipper. (What a story!)
Very good advice on reaching Biblical clarity. I’d also add “be patient.” Things that didn’t make sense to me several years back make sense now. (And really, I don’t feel any smarter.) The understanding and clarity just took time to arrive.
Definitely, be patient needs to be part of the equation. And I feel the same, sometimes it takes a while for me to understand the message God is telling me. Thank you Priscilla and God bless you.
Excellent message. Thank you Yvonne. 🙂
Thank you Melissa and blessings
“We are not alone in facing life’s uncertainties.” Why do I sometimes forget that? Thank you, Yvonne for your message of faith and trust. I felt your pain when you discovered you hadn’t brought a skirt, but I’m so glad your were able to put an ourfit together–and you were beautiful!
Thank you Katherine. I felt like the outfit screamed I do go together, lol. It is very easy to lose sight of we are not alone in the crazy moments. God bless you.
What a story, Yvonne. Definitely a wardrobe issue for a special event. Glad you were creative enough to make something work and from the photo, it looks beautiful and so do you. It was an honor to be nominated and attend. You are an inspiration to many. God bless.
Thanks so much Karen. I appreciate you. God bless you.
Yvonne, you looked beautiful, and you use your many gifts to glorify God and bless others. You shine for Him! Thank you for this powerful life lesson you shared with us. And just as powerful was your teaching about Biblical truth. I am heartbroken at how many Bible-believing churches have turned to personal preference and cultural norms over Biblical truth. May we lay down our “wishes” and believe God as He defined Himself in His Word, the Bible. God bless you again and again, dear friend!
Thank you dear Melissa. It is so heartbreaking as I watch how churches leave the truth behind what popular messages. God bless you.
You looked SO beautiful! And I loved what you said about the ways we can find biblical clarity. So important.
Thanks Jessica. We need to see the world through the lens of the Bible always.
What a crazy situation, Yvonne! But God gave you a wonderful message for all of us. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you Annie. He does gives us these kinds of stories to share and encourage others. God bless you
Looking at the photo of a very put-together woman, I never would have guessed the near-disaster backstory! You are so right, Yvonne: “Sometimes, we think we see the vision clearly, but then God shows us His truth for the dream.” Praise God for his Word that offers us clarity, for godly family and friends who can offer wisdom, and his still, small voice that offers direction, affirmation and assurance.
I still think your outfit looked amazing Ms. Yvonne, but then again, it’s probably the beautiful heart that it envelops. God’s blessings ma’am. Loved the powerful truths you shared here. Thank you!
Thanks so much JD. God is always teaching us powerful messages so we can share and encourage others. God bless.