A Layperson’s Reflection on the Power of Seeing with Faith
Introduction: Facing Today’s Challenges
Today, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The world hums with competing voices: news flashes, social media rants, family worries, workplace drama, and personal doubts. For those who follow Christ, it can sometimes feel like a storm with no end in sight. People talk about division both inside and outside the church, temptations that lure us away from God’s path, and a general sense of confusion or fear about the future. The Bible calls these forces the “powers of darkness” because they cloud our understanding and keep us from seeing the light of God’s truth.
But God doesn’t want us to stumble around in the dark. Instead, He calls us to open our spiritual eyes—to see and understand more than what’s right in front of us. This “spiritual sight” isn’t just about knowing facts or rules; it’s about having the wisdom to see God’s hand at work, even when life doesn’t make sense. And, just as important, it’s about practicing discipline—choosing again and again to follow Christ even when it’s hard.
The Cry of the Heart: “Open My Eyes, Lord”
Have you ever found yourself praying, “God, help me see what I’m supposed to do”? Maybe you’re facing a decision about a relationship, a job, or your future. Maybe you’re just trying to figure out why things are happening the way they are. In these moments, our hearts echo the words of the ancient psalmist in Psalm 119:18: “Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things from your law.”
This is more than a request for information. The person who wrote this psalm wasn’t just hoping to learn the right answers; they were longing to see wisdom with their heart and spirit. They wanted to understand God’s truth in a way that changed their life, to discover the promises and hope that might be hidden beneath the surface of everyday life.
As laypeople—ordinary followers of Christ—we can relate to this cry. Life is confusing, and sometimes faith feels like walking through fog. The prayer “Open my eyes, Lord” is actually a humble admission: I can’t see everything I need to see on my own. I need help. I need God to guide me. And when we pray this sincerely, we invite God to show us things we wouldn’t have seen otherwise.
Seeing Beyond the Obvious: God’s Hidden Work
The Bible is full of stories about people who couldn’t see what God was doing—until God opened their eyes. One of the most powerful examples comes from 2 Kings 6:17. The prophet Elisha and his servant were surrounded by an enemy army. The servant woke up, saw soldiers everywhere, and panicked. All he could see was danger. But Elisha prayed, “LORD, please open his eyes that he may see.” Suddenly, the servant saw that the hills were full of fiery chariots—God’s protection, completely invisible before.
This story teaches us something important: what our physical eyes see is not the whole story. God is always at work behind the scenes. Sometimes He’s protecting us in ways we can’t even imagine. Sometimes He’s guiding us toward something better, even when the path looks rough. When the church today feels threatened—by criticism, uncertainty, or even spiritual darkness—we need spiritual sight to trust that God is present and powerful.
It’s easy to get caught up in what’s right in front of us: the bills on the table, the arguments in society, the latest negative headlines. But spiritual sight helps us look beyond these things to the deeper reality. It helps us see that God’s promises are still true, that His love is still strong, and that His presence never leaves us, even when things look bleak.
The Role of Discipline: Walking in Faith Daily
Spiritual sight isn’t something we get once and keep forever. It’s like a muscle that needs exercise. The Bible talks a lot about discipline—not in a harsh or punishing way, but as a daily commitment to follow Christ, even when it’s hard.
Discipline means choosing to spend time with God regularly, even when life is busy. It means reading Scripture, praying, and listening for God’s voice. It means saying “no” to things that pull us away from faith, and “yes” to habits that nurture our relationship with God.
Church discipline is also about community. When believers come together, we help each other grow. Sometimes we need to encourage a friend who’s struggling; sometimes we need gentle correction when we’re drifting away. Discipline in the church isn’t about judgment—it’s about love. It’s about helping each other stay on track so we can keep seeing God’s truth together.
Practical Steps to Developing Spiritual Sight and Discipline
So, what does all this look like in real life? Here are some practical ways we can open our spiritual eyes and walk with discipline:
· Stay rooted in Scripture: The Bible is full of stories and promises that remind us who God is. Regular reading—even just a few verses a day—can refresh our vision and give us grounding when things get tough.
· Pray honestly: Don’t be afraid to tell God exactly what you’re feeling. Ask Him to open your eyes, to help you understand, and to guide your steps. Prayer isn’t just about asking for things—it’s about deepening your relationship with God.
· Seek wise mentors: Find people in your church or community who have walked with God for a long time. Their perspective can help you see things you might miss on your own.
· Pay attention to God’s work around you: Sometimes God is working in small ways—a kind word from a friend, an unexpected encouragement, a resolved conflict. Train yourself to notice and be thankful for these moments.
· Practice healthy habits: Discipline can be as simple as making time for worship, serving others, or setting aside distractions for a few minutes each day. These habits help keep our spiritual eyes open.
· Stay connected to community: We’re not meant to walk the journey of faith alone. Church is a family where we support, challenge, and love each other. When we’re together, our spiritual sight grows stronger.
Overcoming Obstacles to Spiritual Sight
Of course, there are plenty of things that can cloud our spiritual vision. Sometimes it’s doubt—when prayers seem unanswered, or when tragedy strikes. Sometimes it’s pride—thinking we already know it all. Sometimes it’s the distractions of life, which pull our attention away from God.
But the good news is that God is patient. He meets us where we are, and He’s always ready to help us see more clearly. The more we ask for His help, the more we practice discipline, the more our spiritual sight grows.
The Church’s Calling: Light in the Darkness
Why does Christ’s church need spiritual sight and discipline today? Because the world needs hope. When believers see with faith—when we trust that God is working even when we can’t see it—we become a beacon for others. We can encourage people who are lost or hurting. We can face challenges with confidence, knowing God is on our side. And as a church, we can show the world what it means to live with purpose, peace, and love.
Spiritual sight and discipline aren’t just personal goals—they’re essential for the church to thrive. They help us stay united, resist temptation, and remain focused on God’s mission. In a confusing and frightening world, seeing with faith helps us walk in hope.
Conclusion: A Prayer for Open Eyes
As Believers, we don’t need fancy words or titles to seek spiritual sight. All we need is a humble heart and a willingness to ask God for help. “Open my eyes, Lord, that I may see wonderful things from your law.” Let this be our daily prayer. May Christ’s church be a community where spiritual sight and discipline flourish, where we see God’s truth with clarity, and where we walk together in faith—bringing light to the world, one step at a time.
Minister A Francine Green
September 2025
afrancinegreen.com 