For with God nothing will be impossible. 

~Luke 1:37 NKJV

Between the five senses (sight, hearing, taste, touch, smell), I tend to rely heavily on sight and couldn’t fathom the thought of living in total blindness.

Recently, I read that brain scans of the blind show enhanced performance, a heightening of their other senses and abilities. As I pondered this thought, questions came to mind. Can a blind man fear what he doesn’t see? More importantly, does faith require worldly blindness to experience the completeness of God?

After reading the story of Elisha in 2 Kings 6:8-18, my writer’s imagination developed a depiction of the scene. The servant rose early, prepared coffee, then went to milk goats for cream. When he saw the Syrian army surrounding the city, his face paled as the milk spilled. He hurried into the house yelling for his master with arms flailing. Elisha didn’t react to the man’s hysteria — because God forewarned him the Syrian’s would arrive. Instead of fear, Elisha marveled at the glorious light that radiated from God’s chariots of fire. To encourage and strengthen his servant’s faith, Elisha asked God to give the man spiritual sight so he too could witness the multitude of angel warriors surrounding the enemy. 

This story reminds me of the times I’ve felt spiritually handicapped. Like Elisha’s servant, I too love and serve the Lord. But in moments of difficulty, I’m more apt to respond to visual stimuli than rest in God’s supernatural peace. On many occasions, I’ve beaten myself up, wasting time and energy in worry and anxiety, when God’s favor ultimately prevailed. 

 For we walk by faith, not by sight. 

~2 Corinthians 5:7 NKJV 

Today, our world fights against an unseen enemy, the coronavirus. The thought of this viral army, whose microscopic soldiers lie in wait for a victim, produces panic and fear. But what if the spiritual realm has angels on earth, healing and releasing an antitoxin over God’s children. It’s not that farfetched. God protected the Israelites from the ten plagues of Egypt. The Jewish community didn’t panic because they had Moses who forewarned them about what was to come. 

Although we don’t have an Elisha or Moses to guide and reassure us, we have someone greater, Jesus Christ, who tells us not to fear, just believe. 

In moments of fear, do you ask God for spiritual sight? Ask Him to reveal His protective hand over your life.

Heavenly Father, Your Word tells us to walk by faith and not by sight. Simple words, yet they challenge every part of my being. When darkness is all around, I can become fearful and discouraged. Remind me that You know and care, and Your light dispels all darkness. And as I see the harsh realities this world offers, may I set my sights high as I look to You.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Genre: Non-fiction 

Copyright 2021: Blessed Blindness: Irene Wintermyer: All Rights Reserved