An Unobstructed View
For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.~1 Corinthians 13:12 ESV
I once visited a friend’s house. I stood beside them in their backyard on their luxurious patio, which had an unobstructed view of an incredible state park. From where we stood, we had a feast for the eyes, overlooking a huge valley with its wide and wandering river. I commented on how wonderful it was to have such a clear view of such a gorgeous area every day.
Then, they pointed out all the bramble and trees they had worked so hard to remove to clear the view. My friends still had cuts on their arms from the work. It took labor, time, and energy to remove everything. Trees had snapped back, leaving bruises, and the branches with their sharp ends had left cuts and scratches all over as they tossed them away. But their effort had been worth it.
We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.~2 Corinthians 10:5 ESV
I thought about how we all long for that perfect view in life: the right mindset, right attitude, right perspective. We know it is just beyond the trees. There’s such value when we work to build better habits, strengthen our character, and clear out the bramble. People who do this garner my respect. I also prioritize these things.
In our culture, words and opinions seem to fly freely, and self-reflection and personal discipline are hard to come by. Sometimes, thoughts and habits, even spiritual superstitions, can sneak into our lives through others or social media. They can distort our perspectives of God and who we are to Him.
We can miss the most beautiful views because of the overgrowth and clutter in the way. The clutter may be a negative attitude or a stronghold that takes work to uproot. The stronghold’s toxic branches blind us. We become accustomed to its overgrowth and overreach.
How do we even begin to tackle things to see God’s way clearly and know His heart? First, we must make Him a greater priority than our comfort and convenience. Second, we must see the glimpses of Him He provides through the Word to inspire greater action. Finally, we must love Him enough to pursue His view and change ours, one step at a time.
That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places.~Ephesians 1:17-20 ESV
When we clear out things that obstruct our view of God, we also open things up for others. From our efforts to know Him better in study, sacrifice, prayer, and obedience to His Word, we become a vantage point for others to see Him when they stand beside us. Much like when I stood beside my friend in their yard and saw an incredible, unobstructed view.
For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.~2 Corinthians 4:6-7 ESV
Ask God to help you live with an unobstructed view.
God, I’m so grateful that even though I can’t always see things clearly, You are right here with me, working in me for my good and drawing me to You as you promised. Please open my eyes to see clearly. Help me put in the work and the time to honor You and put You first in my life. Give me words of wisdom to share with my friends to show them more of You. Thank You, God, that You clear the paths, open the eyes, and plant the things for which You created us. Help me uproot the things in my life that obstruct any of those things so I can walk forward toward You and share the view wherever I go. I pray this in Jesus’ name, amen.
Genre: Non-fiction
Copyright 2025: An Obstructed View: Kristi LaRee: All Rights Reserved
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