“Jesus sent him away, saying, “Don’t go back into the village on your way home.”” Mark 8:26 NLT

The story about Jesus healing the blind man in Bethsaida is said to have been used by Jesus to demonstrate the spiritual blindness of the disciples. They could only understand partially and needed their “eyes” to be opened.

Jesus came so that we can see clearly. We received the Holy Spirit as a gift from God, so He can guide and comfort us.

Various commentators mentions that Mark 8:26 is about Jesus not wanting the healed blind man to go back through the city, because he didn’t want the attention of the people of Bethsaida.

I felt the Lord speak to me about another aspect to this (which isn’t what is said to relate to this particular passage, but which was put onto my heart when I read it): now that you can see, your eyes have been opened, don’t follow the same path you always have. Don’t go back doing things the same way, your eyes are open to see new things. Do everything God’s way. Look at everything through the “lens” of faith.

Coming to NZ it was difficult not to look back. I compared everything and kept on doubting whether we made the right decision. It was especially difficult when I was home alone with nothing but the vacuum cleaner for company.

One day I heard a sermon that said if you keep on complaining you will remain where you are. That got my attention and slowly my focus started to shift forward instead of looking backwards. I love reading, so I started to read books about having joy even when times are hard, and it helped me to shift from a self focused lifestyle, to looking for ways to encourage others and having a more joy filled life.

In 2 Corinthians 6:3 – 13 Paul lists six ways they lived faultless lives so that they didn’t cause others to stumble: Show you are a minister of God; patiently endure trials; by the Holy Spirit within you show purity, patience, kindness and sincere love; use the weapons of righteousness; serve God no matter what people say; and always have joy.

We are to live lives that show we worship God.

Work towards your vision, make your goals align with God’s good and perfect will for your life. Step into your purpose even if you feel faint. God will renew your strength and let you soar on wings like eagles (Isaiah 40:31).

“Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16 – 18 KJV)

There are still times when being joyful and trusting in God’s goodness doesn’t come easy, but through every struggle that I face, I am growing, and to me that is what is important. I keep my eyes on Jesus even when I feel like giving up. He is the same forever.

Let us with thankful hearts rejoice that our spiritual eyes have been opened. May we continue to grow in our faith and praise God for all he has done and is still doing in our lives.

May you have eyes to see and ears to hear.

With love

Catherina