There is always the issue of spiritual blindness and you know how it is: no matter how many times you try to make others see the spiritual possibility of something, or a sign, or a manifestation (or heed your warning), they are closed. They can’t see it. Often, they won’t see it. They refuse. They will be surprised some day.
The Bible speaks about this when it mentions “scales” falling off Paul’s eyes after his conversion:
“And immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he regained his sight, and he got up and was baptized” (Acts 9:18). He had been in darkness for three days, as perhaps some day an event will come that will cause many on earth finally to see after darkness.
Another translation is “veil” instead of scales: spiritual blindness is like a curtain in front of our vision. In the figurative sense, the word “scales” can also mean a coat of mail (1 Samuel 17:5,38). We speak of “scales falling from one’s eyes” when we mean a sudden illumination or remembrance or a dissipation of harassing doubt.
For it is the devil who blinds us.
It is the pretentious who heed this not.
How many do you know who can’t see into the spiritual backstage no matter how much you try to explain? How many do you know who don’t really believe that the devil exists, or that Mary appeared at a place like Lourdes (or Fatima)?
No matter what transpires, they insist on a physical explanation. They have closed their eyes. They are blocked. Prayer need here!
How does this occur?
It happens with hyper-intellectualism — when we pile so many books around us that they become like a wall. It is great to read — crucial — but prayer must be our main source of insight.
It happens with sin. Each sin we commit causes darkness; it is a bit of lumber in our eyes.
It happens through disbelief. A person has no vision when he has no faith.
It happens with fanaticism: When we have only one orientation, and a very narrow one, we have myopia (at best).
It happens when we are focused on the physical, and the physical only — materialism.
This give us tunnel vision (a tunnel with no Light at the end of it).
It happens due to ego.
“His strong scales are his pride,” says (Job 41:15). “shut up as with a tight seal.”
Nothing blinds like arrogance.
It also happens when we don’t live a life of joy in Jesus.
He is the Light! He is the joy! He is the telescope and microscope — and we find Him by faith. “Jesus I trust in You.” In calling Heaven, that’s the area code. That’s the way we let illumination in.
“But You, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory,” says the Book of Psalms (3:3). and the One Who lifts my head.”
Dial the right number. Get the right place. Keep your head up. Sin blocks Son. Right makes light.
As a preacher was saying the other day, we need to move beyond current problems to victories. We need always to act in hope and faith. There are always more victories ahead than defeats in your past — but you lose sight of that when you are looking behind you and are stuck in the past.
Look up, not down, if you want full vision, and expect God’s favor, so He can grant it. He awaits your call.
Just because it’s dark does not mean it isn’t morning.
Look at 12:01 a.m. It is technically morning but still very dark yet slowly but surely — eventually — morning dawns (and with a great stroke the sun suddenly comes blazing over the horizon).
This will also be true for whatever is going on in your life. The Light awaits you! For every problem is a future victory that is much greater — here or hereafter.
Are your discouraged over your job, or a family issue, or an ailment? Has fear darkened your vision — even blocked it? There are increments of light — and darkness. Focus on the light. Look to morning, not mourning. Don’t be blinded by discouragement! Keep a passion for life. Heads up!
On the other side of a test is always advancement.
Just be tenacious. Keep persisting. It will be there for you. In the end, life is good. And Heaven is indescribable. You are headed for it.
Dare to take a step of faith, which crosses all darkness.
–MHB
[resources: A Life of Blessings]
