The Watchman's Diary

Individuals who are blind tend to develop heightened senses of hearing, smell, and touch. They navigate their environment with a keen awareness of potential dangers that surround them and, over time, develop skills to overcome or navigate these obstacles. These dangers they become aware of through personal experiences and observations from those who can see. The blind can either become paralyzed by the fear of these potential dangers, or they can step out in faith, supported by a community of loved ones and kind strangers.

The world is engulfed in darkness, and it appears to be growing even darker each day. Spiritual warfare is a reality that we must grapple with. The Apostle Paul reminds us that “our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12). We are blind to the movements and plans of the devil, but we are wise to his schemes. Our knowledge of his schemes has been revealed to us by God through scripture. Like a blind person, we face the choice of either succumbing to fear or stepping out in faith.

The world is also filled with light. Jesus calls us the light of the world (Matthew 5:14) and those who follow him “will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 812). The question is, are you a light that is unaware of its power over darkness?

Can you shine through the darkness, or does it paralyze and intimidate you? Does your faith propel you forward, or do you retreat when challenges arise? Jesus said, “In this world you will have tribulation” (John 16:33) and there are those whose faith is shallow­—like seeds that fall on rocky soil, they quickly wither due to troubles or persecution on account of the gospel (Matthew 13:20-21).

We frequently seek explanations for the challenges of life, especially when there isn’t a clear rationale for our experiences. Job’s companions tried to convince him that his suffering was a result of sinning against God. Jesus’ disciples assumed the man He healed was blind from birth due to someone’s sin (John 9:1-3). Yet, it was so “the works of God might be displayed in him” (John 9:3). That single encounter stirred the community, and Gods work continues through it. The same is true for those of us who, through faith, persevere during troubled times. How many years did this man endure blindness? He might have questioned God about why this happened to him without receiving an answer—That is, until Jesus came into his life.

True blindness is navigating life without faith. Through faith, we can perceive God’s hand in every situation. Through faith, we walk confidently, knowing “that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). Furthermore, Scripture tells us that without faith, it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). Without faith, we will focus more on the issues of life than the God of life. The light we are meant to shine into the world becomes inward-focused, and self-concern replaces faith. How can we foresee the encroaching darkness if our light is concealed?

Faith is eyes to see—through the Spirit of God dwelling within us—what isn’t immediately apparent. It is the ability to see beyond the evils of the world and the devil’s machinations, towards God’s redemptions working in and through us. It is recognizing how our temporary suffering uplifts others, and how our rejoicing ministers to the broken-hearted. Faith is the bedrock on which the church is built. The persecution suffered by the apostles and early believers paved the way for us who now believe in Jesus. Faith is seeing beyond our expectations and perceiving God’s divine plan; acknowledging that our thoughts are not His thoughts, nor are our ways His ways (Isaiah 55:8). Our perspective on events and circumstances is exceedingly limited, whereas God sees everything all at once. Whose viewpoint will you trust most, yours or His?