When Chandler was nine years old, he lost his right eye in an accident. That was four years ago, and now thirteen-year-old Chandler is the starting quarterback for his middle school’s football team. When people ask him why his eyesight hasn’t hindered him, Chandler replies with a smile, “God is my other eye.” What a perspective for such a young believer! It’s a strong reminder not to allow our troubles to blind us to God’s purposes.
In today’s Scripture, we read about Hagar. After being mistreated by her mistress, Sarai, Hagar gave up hope and ran away into the desert. Out there in that harsh desert, however, God Himself reassured Hagar, giving her hope for the future. She replied to Him, “You are the God who sees me… I have now seen the One who sees me.” Both Hagar and Chandler came to see themselves and their difficulties through God’s eyes. And that made all the difference for both of them.
Lord, I’m thinking about how the apostle Paul prayed for the eyes of the heart (Ephesians 1:18). I know I need that. Sometimes my situation looks bleak to my physical eyes. I need Your perspective, Your viewpoint, and Your vision for my life today. The old hymn reminds me to ask of You, “Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart” (Unknown; trans. Eleanor Hull, “Be Thou My Vision” [1912]). |
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