Reflections on Discernment, Spiritual Blindness, and Hope in the Gospel
The world seems to be spinning faster than ever. Every day, the news brings stories of wars, disasters, and confusion. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed or even frightened by all the chaos around us. As believers, we often ask ourselves: “What is God’s will in these times? How can I know what’s true and what’s not?” If you’ve found yourself wrestling with these questions, you’re not alone.
Jesus’ Warnings: Staying Alert in a World of Deception
Jesus knew we would face times like these. In Matthew 24:4-8, He warns His disciples—and us—not to be deceived. He says that many will come claiming to speak for Him, and that there will be wars, rumors of wars, famines, and earthquakes. These things, Jesus explains, are just the beginning of what’s to come. He tells us plainly, “See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet.”
In simple terms, Jesus is saying: Don’t panic. Don’t let fear take over your heart. And most importantly, don’t be fooled by everything you hear or see. There are plenty of voices out there claiming to have the answers, but not all of them speak the truth. Discernment—learning to separate what’s true from what’s false—is more important now than ever.
Spiritual Blindness: Understanding the Battle We Cannot See
But why is it so hard to see what’s true? The apostle Paul gives us an answer in 2 Corinthians 4:4. He writes that “the god of this age”—a way of describing Satan—has blinded the minds of people so that they can’t see the light of the gospel. It’s like there’s a spiritual fog covering the world, making it hard for people to understand who Jesus really is and what He offers.
Spiritual blindness doesn’t mean people are bad or unintelligent; it means there’s a real spiritual battle going on. Satan, the great deceiver, does his best to keep people in the dark. His goal is to distract us, confuse us, and keep us from seeing the hope and truth found in Jesus. It’s a reminder that what’s happening in the world isn’t just about politics or natural disasters—there’s a deeper conflict taking place, one that affects our hearts and minds.
From Darkness to Light: The Hope of the Gospel
Here’s the good news: the light of the gospel shines even in the darkest places. While Satan tries to keep people blind, Jesus brings sight. The gospel—the message that Jesus loves us, died for us, and rose again—cuts through the confusion and brings clarity. When we turn to Christ, He opens our eyes and fills our hearts with hope, even when everything around us feels uncertain.
This light doesn’t just show us who God is; it helps us understand who we are and how to live, no matter the circumstances. The world may be full of trouble and confusion, but the gospel assures us that God’s love and truth remain constant.
Relying on God’s Mercy: Strength for Every Season
In the middle of all this, it’s easy to feel small or powerless. But we’re not alone, and we’re not left to figure everything out by ourselves. God’s mercy is new every morning, and He promises to help us. When we’re unsure or afraid, we can ask Him for wisdom and strength. He delights in guiding His children and giving us the courage to keep going.
Remember, it’s okay to admit that you don’t have all the answers. God isn’t looking for perfect people—He’s looking for people who are willing to trust Him, even when things don’t make sense.
Practical Encouragement: How Can We Discern God’s Will?
· Stay close to Jesus: Spend time reading the Bible and praying. The more you know Him, the easier it is to recognize His voice.
· Be careful who you listen to: Not every message or messenger is from God. Test what you hear against what the Bible says.
· Don’t let fear rule your heart: Remember Jesus’ words—don’t be alarmed. God is still in control, no matter how things appear.
· Ask God for spiritual sight: If you’re confused, pray that He would open your eyes to see His truth and not be deceived.
· Encourage one another: We need each other. Share hope, pray together, and remind each other of God’s promises.
Conclusion: Stay Steadfast in the Light
We live in challenging times, but we are not without hope. Jesus warned us that trouble would come, but He also promised that He would never leave us. When the world feels dark and confusing, let’s ask God to open our eyes and fill us with His light. Let’s keep seeking truth, trusting God’s mercy, and encouraging each other to remain sincere in faith.
No matter what happens around us, the light of Christ will always shine brighter than the darkness. Let’s hold on to Him—and help others find their way to the light, too.
Minister A Francine Green
January 2026
afrancinegreen.com 