Faith and Blurry Vision

We walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7 NKJV.

There was a time I had 20/20 vision. I enjoyed all the benefits of being able to see clearly, at all times without any aids. Then I got older. My vision began to shift, and it was harder to see label instructions at the store. I bought some readers (well, several pair–because if you know, you know!) These wonderful aids helped for awhile. But then, more changes occurred and I bought my first pair of prescription glasses.

When I put those glasses on and looked through the right part of the lens (they were trifocals) I could see. There was a learning curve, but once I figured it out my vision was clear. As i have walked this faith walk, I find myself asking the Lord, “How is my spiritual vision?” How do I know if I am seeing clearly? Do I have some blurry areas with you? We can be thankful our God loves to answer these kind of questions.

First and foremost, we need to view life from an eternal view. This word is not our ultimate home. It can be difficult to understand and remember that as we follow Him, we are storing up treasures in heaven. The Bible is full of such reminds. I love reading Hebrews 11 about the heroes of our faith. How much more do I need to say? It would take too long to recount the stories of the faith of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and all the prophets. By faith these people overthrew kingdoms, ruled with justice, and received what God had promised them. They shut the mouths of lions, quenched the flames of fire, and escaped death by the edge of the sword. Their weakness was turned to strength. They became strong in battle and put whole armies to flight. Women received their loved ones back again from death. Hebrews 11:32-35. Can you see them? Each of them overcoming their own fears. Putting aside their own desires and seeing God’s vision, not only for themselves, but for God’s reputation? Blurry vision keeps us from accomplishing God’s plans and purposes. Clear vision causes faith to arise and the impossible happens. We too, can have our own faith stories, as we walk by faith, not by sight.

Blurred or dim vision can occur when we are trying to walk in our own light, instead of God’s Word and HIs ways. His word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. Psalm 119:105. If we wander off His path, then it is understandable HIs path will be harder to see. Staying in the Word will keep our vision much clearer and focused. We cannot walk two paths at the same time.

Blurry vision can happen when we are tired and weary. We begin to focus on our circumstances, and not our Savior. I encourage you to take a break if you are weary. Re-focus on Him and what He has done for you. Pauls’ wonderful reminder: do not grow weary in well-doing, for in due season you shall reap. Galatians 6:9. When the prophet Elijah struggled with feelings of isolation and fearful of Jezebel’s threats, his vision was blurry. He thought he alone had not worshipped Baal, when God reminded him I have 7,000 others! You are not alone. The Lord saw him, and the Lord sees you. If you are feeling weary, take time to rest, eat and listen to the Lord. God had more for Elijah to do, and once he rested, he did it!

Walking in deliberate or compromising sin will definitely cause blurred vision. WE cannot serve two masters. Sin, by its nature leads us away from God and His purposes. It may seem pleasurable for a minute, but it brings shame, guilt and draws us to hide in dark places. Repentance naturally leads us towards GOd and HIs light. That is when our vision clears and we see how sin desires to bring death to us. This is true for everyone. There are no exceptions. Sin leads to death, separation and darkness.

Learning to walk by faith and not by sight means we must to learn to walk in His love. God’s love helps us see God’s people clearer. We begin to see them as He sees them. Our faith begins to rise not only for ourselves but for others. Walking in God’s love causes us to avoid the blurred vision caused by critical and divisive spirits, which undermines faith.

Blurry vision causes us to walk in fear. We can’t see clearly, so our imagination begins to run wild. Fear begins to run our life instead of trust and faith in the Lord. This is not good. If you find yourself dealing with fear and anxiety, check your vision. What is really there? Or what might be there? We must bring our imagination under control of God’s truth if we are to walk free from anxiety and fear.

Friends, we need God’s clear vision in every area of our lives. Faith is trusting God’s ability to accomplish His promises, where we see it or not. It is God’s desire that we walk in this faith. Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. Romans 10:17 NKJV. But without faith, it is impossible to please him, for he who comes to God must believe that HE is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Hebrews 11;6. NKJV. Satan loves to blind us to God’s goodness, His character and His purpose in our lives. It is up to us to fight these lies with the truth, which sets us free. Let us continue to walk in the freedom that faith has given us.

Father, I thank you for fresh vision. Help us to see those around us with Your eyes of hope and faith. Clear up any blurry vision we have. Refresh those who are weary in doing good, help them know their labor is not in vain. Encourage those who are stumbling in the dark to get back to Your path. We need Your vision, dear Lord desperately. Thank you for helping us in this area. In Jesus’ Name, amen.