I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do: I will not forsake them.

~Isaiah 42:16 NIV

Many times, as youth at church, we kids would play with the window blinds in the sanctuary. They were made of flimsy vinyl material, and when pulled down, stayed wherever we left them. Then, if we gave them another quick pull, they’d flip back up to the top and uncover the window, letting in the sunlight. I’m sure we got into trouble because of this childish behavior. We may have broken some for all I know. But what can I say? I was a curious kid. Later, however, the blind came in another shape. 

Sometimes, we grow up believing doctrine because that’s all we know. We may not question why we believe certain things. We can be blinded by traditions that keep us from following Jesus. This is also immature behavior. Growing up spiritually should prompt us to question why we hold certain beliefs. If we ask God for the truth about doctrine and seek it in His word, He will show us the truth.

I was unsettled about something I had been taught during childhood. I couldn’t believe it could be right. So, I began to question God. I was young and still growing in my relationship with Him, so I didn’t think to go to His Word. I churned this issue around in my mind, wondering how it could be right if I felt so disturbed about it in my spirit. One day, as I was reading my Bible, something incredible happened. I wasn’t seeking the answer to this question, but was casually reading the New Testament before bed.

The book of John contained the answer to my burning question. It was in Jesus’ words to Martha about her beloved brother, Lazarus, who had died. Jesus tarried a few days where He was after hearing Lazarus was sick. He did this intentionally to bring glory to God. He knew what was going to happen–that He would raise Lazarus from the dead–but Martha didn’t know. So, when Jesus arrived, Martha complained.

“Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.” Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”

~John 11:21-24 NIV

Then Jesus corrected her and answered my question more clearly than anyone else could have.

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

~John 11:25-26 NIV

I read this over and over. I had the answer to my doctrinal question straight from Jesus. The one who believes in Him will live, even though they die. And anyone who believes in Him will never die. The doctrine and tradition of a lovely little church I deeply loved had blinded me, but I received the truth from Jesus.

In moments like this, God flips the blinds up, and the Son-light flows into our hearts and minds. God will not refuse to turn the darkness into light. He will lead us through rough patches as we grow in our Christian walk, giving us the answers we seek in one way or another.

Think of some ways God has surprised you through Scripture.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the peace that comes when my questions are answered straight from Your Word. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2025: The Blind: Melinda Cooper: All Rights Reserved