Eyes That See

I had surgery on my right eye a few days ago to remove a cataract and restore my vision from severe nearsightedness. I was somewhat anxious about it, but the process went smoothly with little to no discomfort. Just a few of hours after surgery, I was amazed that, even through my protective eye shield, I could see curtain folds in our neighbors' windows several hundred yards away - something I've been unable to do since I was at least 7 years old! Left eye surgery is scheduled in the next couple of weeks; after that, both eyes will be able to see clearly without adjustment. Such an amazing, incredible difference after 50 years of wearing glasses and contacts!

During this week of recovery, I've been thinking about Blind Bartimaeus (Luke 18:35-43), and how he cried out for mercy from the roadside as Jesus passed by...Jesus simply asked, "What do you want me to do for you?"  And Bart answered, "Lord, that I might receive my sight!" And Jesus said, "Receive your sight; your faith has made you well."  

In this case as in many others in scripture, Bart's faith was directly linked to his healing.  Jesus often commented on FAITH that He saw in certain people, and He commended them for it.

• "Without faith, it is impossible to please Him." Hebrews 11:6
• "Now faith is the substance (or assurance) of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen..." Hebrews 11:1

Jesus had such great compassion on people who were blind, deaf, mute, sick, lame, paralyzed, demon-possessed...and He healed them with a word, a thought, a touch...whatever was needful for the moment. His power is infinite...He is able to do exceedingly, abundantly, above all we can ask or think!  Ephesians 3:20.

But questions and the mysteries remain - we know that many people do suffer, and do not receive immediate healing from physical infirmities.  How then do we reconcile?

Our faith in Christ must also include our trust and submission to His sovereignty, His Lordship, His purposes, His kingdom plans at work at all times, knowing that the Good Shepherd is infinitely compassionate toward His sheep (us) and His care for us never ceases. Psalm 23. 

As with Blind Bartimaeus, our first declaration in prayer and in our lives must always be an acknowledgment of The Lordship of Christ, whatever we are asking Him to do!  Bart cried out, "Son of God, have mercy!" He first and foremost acknowledged Who Jesus is - the Almighty, Beloved Son of God!  And, he realized he was asking for something he didn't deserve - mercy, or unmerited favor!  Bart acknowledged his unworthiness to receive anything from the Lord. And as with Job, our surrender to His Lordship must also include this attitude: "Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him." Job 13:15.

These attitudes of our heart and understanding of His ways can only come by the teaching, guidance, and revelation of the Holy Spirit. John 14:26. We ask for and may receive physical healing of our infirmities, but His first priority is the healing of our souls...mended and blood-bought by His sacrifice on the cross. 

Open the eyes of my heart, Lord,

Open the eyes of my heart!

I want to see You!

I want to see You!

To see You high and lifted up

Shining in the light of Your glory!

Show us Your power and love

As we sing holy, holy, holy!

Holy, holy, holy

Holy, holy, holy

Holy, holy, holy

I want to see You!

I am so aware today that this must the attitude of my heart! I pray that God will open my spiritual eyes just as He has opened my physical eyes, to see Him in all His glory. I'm so grateful for my dear friends and family, who bless my life with love and joy. Thank you for loving me!

Amy Leigh