These words of Scripture were written by Paul about what it means for a believer in Christ to live in adversity under threat of tribulation and death.
We all see many things every day, the question is, how do you decide the meaning of what you see? It is asserted that if a person sees something then they will believe it is true. Is that really right? If what you see challenges your understanding of reality then even though you see it you find it hard to believe or put faith in it. A person can see things but in order to believe them to true they have to have a belief system or a faith that confirms that truth. Everyone has a faith system that either allows you to believe or not believe what you see.
People of faith in God both see and have in the love of God just as surely as they see things with their natural eye. Their faith enables them see the love of God even when life is hard.
People of faith still walk by sight but they are able to see more fully and effectively because they process what they see through the lens of faith. People without faith in God on the other hand see with their eyes but can’t see the love of God. Yet they can still blame God for adversity even though they don’t seen him. When good things happen the believer’s faith in the love of God is affirmed but the unbeliever may feel lucky and not loved by God.
The power of belief affects everything you see. Let me illustrate what I mean. Have you ever found yourself in a no win situation where anything you do is wrong? A person who is believed to be bad or worthless finds it near impossible to ever do a right thing in the eyes of those who judge them. Maybe you are the opposite type of person, one that can do no wrong. It can just as hard for a person who is seen to be good to do wrong as it is for a bad person to be seen as good. Its not really true that a bad person does no good, or the good person does no bad, but it is the faith of the one who sees that determines what is good or bad to them. People see things differently based on their personal experiences and biases. Is it possible to do better than that, is it possible to see what is really true instead of what you just think is true?
In order to see truth properly and accurately you need to see through the lens of faith in the God of love and truth. God’s truth in Christ based on what God sees, not just what a person sees.
God sees what that we do not; God has the power to make painful things good; and; He has the will to bring blessings from unseen places. Consider these Scriptures:
By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.(Heb. 11:3) ....even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.(Psa. 139:12) Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.( Matt. 5:8)
A pure heart has faith in the God who loves you and sees everything. When you see life in context with a sovereign, good, and loving heavenly Father, the events of your life are seen as part of His good and life giving plan for you. God alone sees things perfectly and works all things to the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). What you see and feel may be frightening and painful in the moment. But when you see through the eyes of faith you remember that; God is faithful. To walk by faith and not just by physical sight you need the power of God. Such power comes through the word and the Spirit; other believers around us; and the testimony of the saints throughout time. When you see through eyes of faith we will see everything in the context of his love and truth, not just our own desire, experiences or bias.
How do you begin to see through the eyes of faith? The first step is to seek God. He is the Creator of heaven and earth, He is the one who sent Jesus to be the Savior, He is the one Who sent the Holy Spirit who is the encourager and comforter of all who believe. When you seek God He will give you the power to see life through the eyes of the faith. As you see more clearly, God will fill you with life and hope. What’s more He will give you the opportunity to pass on the joy and hope you have received to others. By your testimony you will help them seek God and walk by faith in the God of Love and Truth with you. When you discovery the truth of God’s love for you life will flow to and through you by His grace!!