So many times in the field we find situations and circumstances that overwhelm us. We so often have very little to offer the family or individual that will affect their daily struggles in this life. The weight of the struggles we see is very heavy at times and the opportunity to truly impact the daily life is so limited at times, we think maybe it is not work it. Yet, the events of this past week allowed me to see a fresh new perspective on this whole idea.
You see this week several men came in to the eye care room who could not even see the chart! Yes, you read that right. The big E at 20+ feet was not even clear enough to distinguish. Over and over I watched Jerry patiently consider whether he could actually help them or not. In our first world culture we would have said there is nothing I can do to help you. Your situation needs a doctor or something we do not have. Although that was not what Jerry did!
Jerry patiently sat these gentlemen down and proceeded to improve their sight as much as he could. He would work with them, and ask questions and seek to clear it all up as much as he could. Josh and Ashley would build a pair of glasses or fit them with readers that made the most improvement possible. Amazingly these men would shuffle out of the room with a new pair of glasses, not seeing everything perfectly, but seeing more clearly than they came in. They were happy and very thankful for the limited sight they had and now it was greatly improved.
How often do we discuss with the creator of the universe the challenges we face because we do not understand "clearly" His will for our lives? Have you found yourself complaining to Him because you do not see clearly? Our Father has promised each of us a life full of excitement and fulfillment if we will trust and obey! You see there is no other way to see clearly than to see what He shows us. It may not be the full picture. We may not see the end result or the impact of our actions on everyone around us. It is possible that our sight may be limited. Yet, His will is perfect. His desire for you and for me, is to trust Him with all our heart, even when we can't trace His hand!
As I watched the work God was doing through our eye care team I was reminded that many times my vision is limited. I may not ever really see clearly the whole picture. But my Father is trying with patience and understanding, to improve my vision for His glory. Am I willing to accept His will and His ways as my full vision. You see, there is coming a day when, as the song goes, "my faith becomes sight."
God so desires to use you right now right where you are to impact others' lives with the hope of the Gospel. Don't waste the life you have wishing for more, hoping for clarity, waiting to see the whole picture clearly! Now is the best you may see. Right now is the time he has for you to serve Him with faith sight...not always eye sight! Are you willing to serve people in a way today that improves their sight? Will those who cross your path today see Him more clearly as a result of being in relationship with you today? Will you take the vision you have and seek Him with all your heart in expectation of Him showing you Himself in a real and personal way? Come on and stop trying so hard to make it all work out in your head and trust your heart as He guides you through His Spirit to see people the way He sees them. Love with all your heart...even when you can't see the whole picture. Serve with everything you have...even when it does not seem to make a difference from your perspective. Follow Him today even if you must close your eyes and fall into His arms so He can carry you through the fire! Don't waste your best life now...Live for Him and Love for His Glory!
"Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him." Psalm 34:8
