“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:18

Do you have 20/20 vision? If you do, continue eating those carrots! Unfortunately however there are many that do not have good vision. It is quite common in today’s day and age to hear of friends, family members and coworkers needing glasses or contact lenses. In the last two decades, there have also been significant advances made in corrective eye surgery.

With Lasik eye surgery for example, the procedure is done in the doctor’s office within a couple of hours. In the majority of cases, some time after the surgery patients are able to see clearly without the use of corrective eyewear. If you’ve ever known someone who has had the procedure done, they will tell you about the freedom they felt being able to see clearly without assistance.

Whether you wear eyeglasses/lenses or not, how are you seeing the things going on around you? How do you see others? When we encounter tribulations there is a tendency to lose focus, just like when we have poor vision. The Bible tells us that we are to fix our eyes not on what we see, but on what is not seen. That means that we have to direct our eyes to the Lord. He has to be the center of our attention. He should be our focus like we are the apple of His eye.

When we focus on what is “Temporary”, we will become consumed and overwhelmed. Doubt and anxiety will lead to a lack of faith. We must see and understand that our tribulations are part of God’s great plan (See 1 Peter 1:6-7). Our tribulations are an opportunity for others to see how God shapes us into faithful Christians. Our focus must be on the goal of God’s plan and how we will become better for it. Remember, “…we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” Romans 5:3-5.

As children of the Most High God, we must see His plan and allow others to see us as well. Additionally, when we see others, we are to see them with the eyes of our Father. Otherwise, we open the door for criticism and judgment to come in. But when Jesus is our focal point, everything becomes crystal clear. For we know that no matter what happens, He is in control… He is going to work everything out for our good… and in Him we will have victory. If you want to experience total freedom, fix your eyes on Him. You will see everything in a different light.

Has your vision been obscured and now is transparent? Share your comments!

• We had a great service on Sunday! Congratulations once again to our graduates! We are all very proud of you!
• A special thanks once again to all of the Sunday School leaders for allowing the Lord to use you in this wonderful ministry as well as to Randy and Hilda for their awesome leadership in our youth department!