Blind Faith

I have always been mesmerized by Jesus' healing of the blind.  Jesus healed many people with different diseases, demons, etc. and none were greater than any other but opening the eyes of the blind resonates with me.  Each time, he healed a physical ailment but also a spiritual sickness.  As I've grown in my walk with God I begin to understand we walk around blindly when we are not in fellowship with God.

In John 14:6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.  Once we understand that Jesus is the ONLY way to God.  As a child of God, I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior.  That began a journey of spiritual growth that will continue until I die or Jesus comes.

John 9:39 Jesus said, “For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind.” 

2 Corinthians 5:7 says for we walk by faith, not by sight—  In this world we can't rely on what we see. 
We can be easily deceived by the satan's schemes.  We must have faith in Jesus Christ to walk with us through this life and into eternity.

I have one illustration that I learned as a young child that just stuck with me.  If you have ever been camping deep in the woods you know how pitch black it will get after sunset.  In order to get around you must carry a flashlight or lantern.  As you use the flashlight/latern it only lights the path directly in front of you.  Our eyes only need to be focused on the area that encompasses the light; it will keep us safe and give us direction.  For us, Jesus is that light.  He will guide our every step and keep us safe but we must be willing to daily surrender to His authority not our own.  Psalm 119:105 says, Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.
 
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.  Hebrews 11:1

Proverbs 16:3 Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.

Lonely But Not Alone

I have two best friends (one guy and one girl) who have both married over the past year and a half.  While I'm overjoyed for them and the new season of life they have entered it left me in unfamiliar territory.  I've been single a majority of my life but this past week I experienced something I don't recall experiencing before.  I found myself lonely.  It seems odd even now to think about it.  I have lots of friends, co-workers, family and yet found myself feeling lonely.  Mirriam-Webster defines lonely as: being without company, cut off from others, not frequented by human beings, sad from being alone.  Even though I had been active this week I found myself sad from being alone.  I had unknowingly cut myself off to others and as a result felt alone.   This is the work of the enemy.  He tries to isolate us by deceiving us with subtle lies.  Mark 13:5 says Jesus said to them: “Watch out that no one deceives you.
What we must remember that while we may 'feel' lonely we are truly never alone if we indeed accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.  I must base my action on what I know--He loves me and He died on the cross for me.  God created us to be relational people--connected to Him and to others.  Eccelesiastes 4:12 says Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.  When we are not connecting with others it gives the enemy an opportunity to wear us down and deceive us.   1 Peter 5:8 tells us Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
While I did experience a bit of lonliness this week I knew with all confidence I was not alone.   Deuteronomy 31:8 says The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”  What comfort this is in the midst of 'feelings' of lonliness.  I am now making more of an effort to reach out to my friends; to make that connection.  These two life long best friends will always be part of my life but I need to connect and 'do life' with others that are in similar experiences as mine. 
Next time you feel alone remember God is right there with you....and then call a friend.