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. 1 Corinthians 13:12 (NLT).
Old Eyes
I started seeing things with a blur as cataracts developed. Over the years, they got worse and my eye doctor told me it was time to remove them. Doubt gnawed at me as I questioned whether the surgery would grant me the clarity of sight I needed. During the testing, they made me look at dim light eye charts to simulate nighttime driving. Every letter on the eye chart appeared as a smudged, indecipherable blur, making it impossible for me to see. I knew I needed the surgery.
I sat in the waiting room on the day of the surgery, and I couldn’t help but reflect on the moments I had taken clear vision for granted. With each step closer to the operating room, the weight of the decision to undergo the surgery settled upon me. Was I making the right decision? Fear tightened its grip on my heart, whispering doubts about the potential risks and complications that awaited me on the operating table.
Biblical Eyes
Did the Apostle Paul have cataracts when he wrote 1 Corinthians 13:12? Paul wants us to understand that our imperfect eyes limit our understanding of the Bible. Our vision is limited. Life and circumstances can make our sight blurry. Consider how your own limited understanding of the Bible has influenced your beliefs and interpretations. Reflect on moments when your imperfect vision hindered your comprehension of God’s Word.
We can’t comprehend the deep things of God. It’s like looking at the universe through a telescope and only seeing a two-dimensional reflection. We only see an unclear image of Christ in His holy Word, filtered through our limited understanding of scriptures. But one day, we will see Christ face to face, with no barriers.
New Eyes
I realized that looking through my old lens was like peering through a smudged glass, distorting the once-bright palette into a dull and muted spectrum. The corrected eye revealed a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors, painting the world in rich hues of crimson, emerald, and sapphire. And the simple act of waking up and being greeted by a clear, unobstructed view filled me with a profound sense of gratitude, as if a veil of darkness lifted from my mornings. The results of my cataract surgery opened a whole new world for my tired, old eyes.
Seeking New Eyes of Faith
There is no surgery to clear of faith vision, so how do we improve our eyes of faith? We can keep our dim eyes on Jesus and follow His examples. The song “Eyes on Jesus” by Scott Willis offers some brilliant advice on the subject:
- See the world as Jesus sees it.
- Focus on people who try to live each day.
- That’s how we’ll build the kingdom, bringing hope to those who need it.
- Let’s keep our eyes on Jesus. And he’ll show us the way.
Prayer
Lord, I ask for your help to keep my dim eyes on you. Please let me see you every day and be open to the changes you have for me. Thank you for your words that help me learn and correct my vision. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Grace & Truth Christian Link-Up
Welcome to Grace and Truth: A Weekly Christian Blog Link-Up! Our mission is simple: to spread Jesus’ message through the power of words. Join our community of writers and readers as we uplift and inspire one another.
Now Let’s Link-Up
Enter the Grace & Truth Christian Link-up | Oct 11-17, 2024
If you need the details and rules for our blog link-up, click here. Also, don’t forget to check our Pinterest board to see which posts our hosts featured.
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:
My recent eye exam revealed that I need prescription glasses. I pray that I always keep my focus on God and not on myself. Have a blessed day dear friend! 🙂
Thanks Melissa. I got my first glasses in my 30s. That’s amazing you’re just needing them now. Blessings my friend
My mom had cataracts too. I do want to see the world as Jesus sees it. Beautiful analogy!
Thank you Karen. New eyes let’s see Christ in a new way. God bless.
Such surgeries work wonders today. May God open our nation’s eyes to Him. God bless! May we believers see clearly!
Amen Nancy. Our nation needs new eyes that focus on Christ. Thank you and God bless
I’m heading toward cataract surgery too, and I’m grateful for your transparent description of your fears AND for the good results you shared. Loved the way you used this as an example of seeing Jesus. I pray I (and all of us) can see others as Jesus sees them–oh, what a loving world this would be.
It would be a great world that way. And have faith, the cataract surgery is not too bad. I will be praying for yours. Thanks Katherine and God bless.
It dawned on me as I was reading that our blurred vision spiritually creeps up on us gradually and we have to keep coming back to the Lord to ask him to “be our vision.”
Good observation Michele. Like my cataracts, the spiritual vision gets blurred gradually so we have to be on guard. Thank you and God bless.
Amen to this: “How do we improve our eyes of faith? We can keep our dim eyes on Jesus and follow His examples.” I don’t (yet) have cataracts, but I’ve had near-sightedness my whole life. I definitely appreciate the analogy!
Thanks Jessica. We all need better eye sight to see Jesus. God bless
Your analogy reminded me of when I had to get glasses for distance. I thought everyone saw the world like I did! I also thought of how God’s word is a lamp for our feet protecting us from the pot holds in life.
Thank you Debbie. And God’s word helps remove the spiritual cataracts from our eyes. God bless.
Wonderful analogy, Yvonne! It made me wonder what Paul felt when God blinded him. May the Holy Spirit open the spiritually blind eyes so more can see our Savior. And may we draw ever closer to see Him more clearly. God bless you!
Amen Melissa. May all our eyes be open to see as God sees us and the world. God bless.