Hidden From Our Eyes

When He approached Jerusalem, He saw the city and wept over it, saying, "If you had known in this day, even you, the things which make for peace! But now they have been hidden from your eyes.” Luke 19:41,42 (New American Standard Bible)

At one time Jesus spoke these words to Jerusalem and this morning He speaks them to me. I can hear Him saying, “If you had known in this day, but now it has been hidden from your eyes.” This life is filled with moments of seeing through a glass darkly. Countless are the stories that we don’t know the endings of yet. Oh, yes, we know that ultimately we will be in Heaven and all will be well, but for now, on this earth we don’t always know how things are going to turn out. Hence, we walk by faith and not by sight. We hold the hand and trust the heart of our all seeing and all knowing God. He alone knows the beginning from the end. He alone knows what lies ahead and the avenues He will use to take us to each point.

We are not alone. Many are the examples in Scripture of people who faced situations and didn’t know what God would do and how God would work. A few come to mind even now. Abraham ascending Mount Mariah with his son, Isaac. Moses and the children of Israel sandwiched between the Red Sea and the Egyptian army. Joseph being led to prison. Ruth leaving the land of Moab. David being chased by King Saul. Esther standing in the courts of a palace. Peter in prison. Paul on the road to Damascus. In each case, God’s ways and thoughts were higher than their own. Even in their wildest dreams they could not have imagined what God had planned all along.

Such examples give me hope, for there are numerous “endings” in my life that are presently hidden from my eyes. I know what I would like to see happen. I know what I question will ever happen. Before my eyes actually see what God will do, there are lessons to learn, spiritual muscles to develop, “Thy will be done “ statements to be made, obedience to walk in, hands to open in yieldedness and submission, and a heart to daily draw closer to the One who can be completely trusted. Joy comes when my delight is found in knowing and following the One who knows what He has in mind for each of my situations and the day it will no longer be hidden from my eyes.

While I do not see all the endings of my stories yet, there are some things I am learning to see. Things such as: God’s faithfulness, forgiveness, provision, power, presence, fingerprints, ministry through others, and heart. He is lovingly enlightening the eyes of my understanding and safeguarding within me a teachable spirit. Praise Him!

Father, thank you that one day I will see it clearly. Until then may my eyes be fixed on You, the Author and Finisher of my faith! Amen.