Old Eyes, Fresh Lenses

"For we live by faith, not by sight.”- 2 Corinthians 5:7

I am loving my 50’s! I was recently sharing with Joanie how this has been one of the healthiest and most productive seasons in my life. As I keep walking with the Lord in this golden decade, I am seeing a maturing in many areas: Perspective and wisdom; Contentment and gratitude; Patience and Kindness; Peace and life purpose. Despite this, not everything about getting older is better.

One thing that has waned is my EYESIGHT. I am wearing my reading glasses more and more with each passing year. I am lost trying to order from a menu, signing documents, and doing certain tasks at work without them. My diminished sight has been a reminder of my enhanced need for spiritual vision. The Lord wants to open the eyes of our hearts in order that we might know Him better, know what’s right, know how to treat others, and know how to live in this world. In Ephesians 1:18 Paul prays for the believers, “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in His holy people.”

For our church, September is specially set aside as VISION MONTH. Each weekend is an opportunity to focus on what the Holy Spirit is speaking and doing, so that we can move forward as a faith community on mission. Proverbs 29:18 (ESV) says, “Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law.” Throughout the month there will be prophetic messages, testimonies, and a launching of our discipleship, small groups, and outreach ministries.

Vision Month is not just a community expression unique to Restoration Church. Each of us can personally exercise our faith, engage the Spirit, and enter into the new. Here are three places where each of us can experience an enhancing and restoring of spiritual sight:

1) A REVELATION of God’s nature, truth, and will.

Psalm 119:18- “Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in Your law.”

2) A DEFINITION for our current season that brings clarity, confirmation, or change.

Proverbs 3:5-6- “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

3) A COMPASSION to see and be present for the needs of others.

Matthew 9:36- “When Jesus saw the crowds, He had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”

May the Lord open our eyes and help us to see!