Not By Sight

There was a day when I needed to have my hair cut in a strange land far from home. So, I located a nearby hair salon down the street from where I was staying. When I got there, I met four persons: three mature men, whom I assumed were barbers, and a young chap of about eleven years of age. So, I sat down for a cut.

I was expecting one of the mature barbers to pick up the clippers, but to my greatest surprise, the three of them held back for the boy. When I turned and asked why, they all started laughing, and one of them said, "Don't worry! He is better than the three of us put together. Just relax!" So, I waited to see the wonder in this young chap.

I must confess that by the time he was done with the cut, I understood better why the other three held back. "Good" was an understatement. His hands were so firm on the clippers beyond my imagination, and I said to myself, "Truly, the eyes are deceptive."

The same principle applies in our spiritual life:

2 Corinthians 5:7 – For we walk by faith, not by sight. (KJV)

A lot can go wrong when we act based only on what we see and hear, and not on what God is saying.

Firstly, in things pertaining to spiritual life and godliness, what someone is today should not be the basis for conclusions about the future concerning them. Faith and spiritual growth have little beginnings, and only God knows the potential in any individual, or even in ourselves.

Secondly, physical appearances should not be our yardstick for measuring potential, for God judges by the heart. David was small in build but was mighty in the hands of God. In every situation that he found himself, he always sought to see it from God's viewpoint. While the men of Israel saw a giant, David was seeing an uncircumcised Philistine. No wonder he broke Goliath in pieces!

Thirdly, whatever the situation that is surrounding believers, be it even challenging and suffocating, they must see what God is seeing and refuse to lean on their own sight. Jesus said, "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. (John 10:10b KJV)

Believers must learn to ask God about everything before they leap. He never makes mistakes. When God reminds us through Paul that "we walk by faith, not by sight", He means for us to see what He is seeing in every circumstance.

From today, become conscious of the Spirit in everything you do. Always find out what God is saying concerning everything around you. Ask Him in prayer what He thinks, and He will answer speedily.

Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. (KJV)

Prayer: Spirit of the living God, speak to our spirits today, for we want to hear from You. Help us to trust in You, so that You can direct us in everything we do. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

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