What Others Have Seen

For I say to you, that many prophets and kings wished to see the things which you see, and did not see them, and to hear the things which you hear, and did not hear them. Luke 10:24 (New American Standard Bible)

I remember, as a teenager, reading the account of Thomas doubting that Jesus had risen from the dead. When Jesus finally appeared to him, he believed. Jesus said to him that he believed because he saw it with his own eyes but blessed were those who believe in Him without seeing. That was the first time I had read a verse and knew the words were speaking about me! I had come to believe in Jesus and accept Him as my Savior without ever seeing Him with my physical eyes. Today’s verse is another example of His words being spoken about me and every other believer.

What we see and hear as believers on this side of the cross is what prophets and kings of the Old Testament wished to see and hear but weren’t able to. I believe this is because they did not have the complete Word of God available to them as we do today and they did not have the Holy Spirit permanently residing in them as we do. Those two factors alone set us apart from our spiritual ancestors.

Yet, if I am honest, I will admit there are some things others saw and heard in Old and New Testament times that I wish I could experience today. Some saw first hand the numerous miracles that God performed….deliverances, healings, victories. Some heard God speak to them in audible tones. Some had profound dreams and visions that were messages from God. As I have pondered these things, God has had to remind me on several occasions that I am to walk by faith and not by sight.

What does it take to walk by faith? Knowledge of God from His Word. A personal relationship with Him through Christ. Open and honest communication with Him through prayer. Obedience to His commands. Sensitivity and awareness of His still, small voice. Trust that He knows what is best and does what is best. Fixing my eyes on Him. Loving Him with all my heart, soul, and mind.

Will I do those things perfectly all the time? Not hardly, but I desire to. His grace, mercy, and forgiveness cover the times I fail. I take comfort in the fact that He is honing my walk of faith on a day by day basis. No matter what, His hands and His eyes have never been taken off me.

Father, I find solace in Your words to me this morning. With You I have a new day, a fresh start, and a multitude of possibilities. Improve my steps, Lord. Amen.

Everlasting God - Chris Tomlin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yubLGTOcm8c&feature=related

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.