Blind Faith

So recently I have had an unusual amount of encounters and conversations surrounding the concept of blindness. Anytime something repeatedly appears in my life, I assume that it's God attempting to get my attention.

As I have thought about it over the last week I have wondered, what does blindness mean to me? The best way to describe it would be a blindfold. A temporary loss in sight. Unable to see what is ahead but having the knowledge of what was there before it was put on.

Giving up control can sometimes feel like someone placing a blindfold on you, spinning around, and attempting to swing at a dangling pinata.  It's the blind attempt at an unknown prize. With every swing and miss, it's hard not to let doubt creep in. To wonder if you are swinging in the wrong direction or if the pinata is even there.

The thing about being unable to see the outcome of a situation is it can cause us to lose sight of the truth. With each swing, doubt becomes reality and our desire to tear the blindfold off increases. The foundation however stands true: there is a pinata.

There is a prize.

Like children, impatience gets the best of us. Forgetting that it takes practice, maybe even a few tries to  finally feel the impact of the shatter.

In Mark, there are two stories that remind me of this idea. The first is a blind man encountering Jesus. After touches the man's eyes he asked, "Can you see anything?" The man replies "I can see people but they look like trees". Jesus extends it takes a second touch and the man receives full sight. Later, Jesus meets a father whose son has seizures and brings him to be healed. After disciples were unable to help the boy, the man asked Jesus to heal his son. Jesus told the man anything is possible if you believe. The man's reply amazes me, "I believe. But help me in my unbelief."

Before the time is right, I think I can see what God is doing, only to realize it was really just men who look like trees. My vision was blurred. Sometimes Jesus requires us to wait on him to see clearly. Other times, doubt has crept in and belief is wavering. The temporary darkness causes us to be blind to what we know is true. In our unbelief, we desire to rip the blindfold off and see for ourselves.

Faith may require a blindfold but God calls us to live in the light. Darkness is what blinds us; the lies, doubt, and fear. despite our inability to see what's ahead, sight comes when we trust God's control. Believe in the promises of good things and abundant life.

He knows just the right angle, the perfect swing, and can't wait to watch you finally bust open your prize. Keep the blindfold on but don't let the darkness make you blind.