Time to See Clearly...NOW!

I can see clearly now the rain is gone...I can see all obstacles in my way - Johnny Mathis - Bright Sun Shiny Day

But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, so that it has become evident … that my chains are in Christ; and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from goodwill: The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains; but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice
– Philippians 1:12-18

I tell ya, that Apostle Paul. A guy who has have every “right” to be depressed and upset over the unjust bummer of being in prison and look what he says about it? Paul had embraced a spiritual principle of salvation; he saw things from God’s eyes. He saw what others in that Roman prison and even in the churches in Rome and Philippi couldn’t see. In this writing he challenges them, through his example and testimony, to see things God’s way. When we can see things God’s way, we see things as they really are, and thus have a faith and a hope perception of spot on reality.

I read this story of fictional English detective, Sherlock Holmes and his friend, Dr. John H. Watson. While on a camping expedition, they lay down to sleep after a good meal and a bottle of wine. Early in the morning, before the sunrise, Dr. Watson awakened his friend and said to the great detective, Holmes, “Look up and tell me what you observe.” Holmes replied, “I see millions and millions of stars. “ “What does that tell you?” asks Watson. "Well, astronomically it tells me that there are millions of galaxies and potentially billions of planets. I observe that Saturn is in Leo. I deduce that the time is approximately a quarter past three. Theologically, I can see that God is all-powerful and that we are very small and insignificant. Meteorically, I suspect we will have a beautiful day.” “What does it tell you, Watson?" Watson was silent for a moment and then said, "Holmes, you knucklehead, it says that someone has stolen our tent!”

Often the world accuses Christians of being knuckleheads; of being out of touch with reality. But we’re to believe faith is the way to see truth and ultimate reality. By faith in Christ, we can see life as God views it, as it really is. Without a faith perspective we’re blinded to spiritual and eternal reality and cannot see the stolen “tent”! It was also Paul that said, “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God” - 2 Corinthians 4:4

In the Old Testament the king of Aram sent his forces to capture the prophet Elisha, who had been tipping off the king of Israel as to the locations of the Aramean army. When Elisha’s servant saw the mass of enemy forces sent to capture the prophet, he was terrified. He asked Elisha, “Oh, my lord, what shall we do?” “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” - 2Kings 6:15-18

We too need to have our spiritual eyes open to see things God’s way. We need to understand how our circumstances fit God’s plans so we don’t freak out. We need to start there and not get to that point AFTER we have had a melt down! How? Read the words of Jesus. Then read the Psalms. Don’t glom onto just one verse. Read them all! Then, take time, find a quiet place and worship God. Revel in his majesty. Look around and verbally, out loud, praise Him for His creation, your life, your family, His blessings on you – focus off of what you do NOT know and onto what you do know – He is amazing, huge, in control, above all else and able to use anything for good and for your blessing. There is more and you will think of it if you put your heart into it.

When you pray, pray to honor your God not to show Him how pitiful your situation is! EEEeeeeesh!!! Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ – Ephesians 1:3 – THAT is God’s attitude for you…now figure out how to thank Him in advance for revealing to you as he did Elisha 3000 years ago. He knows where you are. Now ask Him for, “the rest of the story.”

My loved ones if we do this, then it will make all the difference in the way we look at our life, our problems, and our challenges. If you are now discouraged and feeling defeated or fearful, it’s time to begin seeing things God’s way. I remain…

InHISgrip,
~J~