Do you see anything?

I'm a writer.  

I write poetry, song lyrics, grocery lists, devotionals, to do lists…you name it.  But my passion is writing fiction.  And I admit, it’s a God-given gift.  I can't fathom how I would be able to write 36,000 words in six days if God wasn't the one pushing me along.  I'm not that disciplined on my own, I assure you!

And for years – most of my life really – I had felt led to use my talents in some way.  I just never really knew what way that was until I was in my thirties.  Even when I first felt like I knew, it was still hazy at best.  But I knew God expected me to use the gift He had given me. Somehow.

God has given us all gifts. We often don't recognize them for what they are or understand what God wants us to do with them…and we wonder why.  We question what the plan is and roam aimlessly in the dark.  But we don't have to feel so clueless.  God tells us how to know.

In Mark 8:23-25 we are told about the blind man who was given sight.  Jesus placed His hands on the eyes of the blind man and asked "Do you see anything?"  The man looked up and said, "I see men, for I see them like trees, walking around."  And once more Jesus “laid His hands on his eyes; and he looked intently and was restored, and began to see everything clearly.”

After the first touch, the man did what was natural, instinctive…he looked up and toward the source of the light.  But his vision wasn't yet clear.  He was still partially blind, saw men as if they were shadowy and much larger than they really were.  And so, Jesus touched him again.  When he did, his perceptions were cleared, his limitations were removed, and he was able to view the world as God intended him to view it.

I can't help but think that we are just like that blind man.  We stumble around, unable to see life the way God intends for us to see it. 

What do you think would have happened to the blind man if he hadn't let Jesus touch him the second time? Would he have been able to see enough to maneuver around?  Of course, but his vision was murky.  He could have managed, but he'd have never seen the true beauty of the world God had waiting for him. 

That’s us.  We are blind to what God can accomplish through us because we don't have the ability to see it on our own.  It’s only through God’s touch on our lives that the world He intends for us is clearly revealed.  Remember the two disciples walking down Emmaus Road?  It was only after they had walked with Jesus for seven miles and He explained the scriptures to them that “their eyes were opened.” (Luke 24:31)

We have to walk our seven miles.  If we don’t read God’s word, we aren't allowing God to reveal the world as He wants us to see it.  Our world – the one intended just for us individually.  He shows us what He needs us to see if we are willing to let Him open our eyes.

You might feel like God has been tugging on your heart and whispering to your soul about the way He wants you to use your gifts.  You might feel like it’s murky and clouded.  And it probably is.  But there is a way to clear the path you are meant to take.  Get into God’s word.  We tend to lead busy lives, but we have to make a way to hear God.  Maybe you aren't much of a reader, and that’s okay. Listen to it while you're driving in your car or while you're at the gym.  It doesn't matter where you are, just listen.  You aren't going to hear what God is trying to tell you, you aren't going to see what God wants you to see, if you don’t give Him the chance to show you.