Sight Unseen

We don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.

Recently, it seemed that Angie’s life was being thrown into chaos—her fiancé lost his accounting job, there were managerial shake-ups at her workplace, her parents were in a car accident, and now her “check engine” light had come on.

As the engine light glowed, Angie squelched her anxious thoughts of What else could happen? She knew all too well that more could happen—both good and bad.

So she did the only thing she could do in rush hour traffic—turn off the music and pray. Lord, this morning, I asked for help and direction, and now my check engine light has come on. I feel really overwhelmed right now. Please be merciful as I place my trust in You. You are my strength.

Angie continued her prayer as she drove into the car repair shop. The mechanic looked over the car and suggested that she leave it overnight. While waiting to be picked up, Angie was surprised to hear herself telling the mechanic about the storm that seemed to be swirling around her. He perked up and told her that the mechanic shop was looking for a bookkeeper and office manager. Hopeful, Angie asked for a job description and contact information. She knew that a job for her fiancé wouldn’t tie up everything in a nice little bow, but she took it as a sign that God was working, even when she didn’t clearly see all the details.

Sometimes when life gets overwhelming, we focus on fixing the problems. But what if we stopped in the middle of the storm and asked God to open our spiritual eyes? What if an engine light leads you to someone who has an answer to your problem or who needs a word of encouragement? We can ask God to show us how He’s working in the midst of our circumstances. Then we can serve others better, respond more peacefully, and trust more deeply.

Rest Assured

Father, attune my heart and spiritual eyes to the unseen things You are doing. Give me discernment, and open the eyes of my heart as I seek to serve You.

Rest in Him: Ephesians 1:15-23