When an optometrist tests our eyes to a standard, he/she determines if we need vision correction. Many live with uncorrected vision and make adjustment by squinting or getting closer to a book to see or read what’s there. We do the same spiritually.
Some of us have a tendency to be near-sighted. We can clearly see ourselves and our situations, but we have a problem seeing other people clearly. They tend to cause a lot of stress or frustration for us. Things seem unclear and confusing when we look at others, so we are cautious about getting close to people and stay away from those things we cannot see well.
On the other hand, some of us are far-sighted. We have a good understanding of other people and are sensitive to their feelings. We have learned to navigate well when unexpected situations arise with other people, but somehow we do not know ourselves very well. We have spent so may years pleasing others that somehow we have lost ourselves in the process. We stumble upon the same things over and over again, and we don’t know what causes us to stumble. We don’t know what drives us to live life a certain way. We don’t know why we get so combative when others criticize us. We wonder why most of our relationships cause disappointment.
Peter said to Him, “Even if all are made to stumble, yet I will not be.” Mark 14:29
Peter had a pattern of overconfidence. He certainly thought that he was never going to stumble. The problem was that he did not see Jesus or himself clearly. Jesus’ arrest made him stumble. Peter didn’t know that his vision needed correction. His own ideas and expectations of Jesus had impaired his vision. He evaluated the situation based on impaired vision rather than on the reality of who Jesus was and what He was about to do. He also overestimated his own ability to handle the situation. He had the expectation to fight and win any battle but this was not a battle he could win. In fact, Jesus did not want him to physically fight this battle. Peter’s vision needed correction.
Faith gives us the right perspective and corrects our vision. The Holy Spirit illuminates the areas that need correction. He can show us those patterns that cause us to stumble. When we see with the eyes of faith, we can see things clearly. We don’t have to run from truth because faith gives us the courage to see thing clearly, and we can learn not to stumble upon the same situations or offenses.
Lord, we thank you that you are the illuminator of truth and clarity. Thank you for opening our eyes that we can see in the Spirit realm what you are doing and that we don’t have to hold on to our own ideas of what is happening.
