I ONCE WAS BLIND BUT NOW I SEE

What a statement! When God opens our spiritual eyes, the light of His amazing love penetrates every cell of our body, mind, and soul. We no longer have to fear the darkness of our imperfect world. When we ask, He will remove all the shadows around us and His perfect love will cast out our fear.

ETERNAL PERSPECTIVES  by Sally Bair

Blinders

 

On the bedside table of a cabin where my family and I stayed while in Homer, Alaska, we found a black mask, the kind worn to bed to avoid light from shining in one's eyes. We learned that these masks are common in Alaska and the far north, where it is light for about 20 hours a day during the summer. My grandchildren called them blinders.

Blinders are effective because they shut out all light. They help many people get a good night’s sleep. Conversely, blinders can prevent us from seeing things that might bring us happiness, such as a spectacular sunrise. Or things that might keep us safe, such as an intruder.

In the spiritual context, there are many who prefer to wear blinders in order to avoid the light and truth of God's love. "The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God." (2 Corinthians 4:4) 

The Bible tells us that Satan holds power over the activity of the world. Those who refuse to believe in and submit to Christ as Lord and Savior of the universe remain under Satan's power. He blinds them to the truth of the Gospel. They become so used to the sin in their lives that they'd rather keep the blinders on, even though God's love is evident and surrounds them. It becomes easy and comfortable for them to remain in the dark.

None of us like our shortcomings to be exposed, sometimes even to ourselves. However, once we decide to ask Christ to remove our spiritual blinders, He will reveal to us how much more fulfilling our lives can become when we live in His light. With the blind man whom Jesus healed, we then can say, "One thing I know, I once was blind but now I see."    

Lord, forgive us when we've let the blinders of our own ignorance and stubbornness keep us from seeing You in the light of Your radiant glory and love. Give us the strength and will to avoid the dark temptations of this world. May Your light shine through us as we bring love and healing to those we meet. In Jesus' name, amen.