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: