When the Clearest Way Forward Is Foggy

"Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely."  

- 1 Corinthians 13:12, New Living Translation

Blind trust in God is powerful.  Jesus applauded it.  When Thomas needed to see the crucified marks on his hands to know that he was the risen Lord, Jesus showed him.  But he added, "You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me"(John 20:29).

I've increasingly noticed the Christian life is fraught with paradoxes.  This is another one. How can we gain more power in life by recognizing our own limitations?  But that is precisely the case with faith.  When we recognize our own limitations, when we turn to God in trust and rely on his strength, we become far more than we could ever be otherwise.

Trust means that we may not be able to explain things in the moment.  Maybe your mirror is a puzzling reflection right now.  Paul knew that's often the case in life as he recorded the scripture above.  But scripture also holds promises for you.  Not only does Paul acknowledge that confusion is temporary, but Jesus himself uttered blessing for those who will trust with blind faith.

I love how Max Lucado attempts to explain this principle to children - I think there's a lesson in there for us too.  In his book Grace for the Moment: 365 Devotions for Kids, he explains:

"Look out a window.  You can see clearly, right?  Now breathe on it so that the glass fogs up.  It's hard to see through the fog, but you know everything is still there.  When the fog melts away, you'll see clearly again.  It's the same with God.  Sometimes we must wait for the fog (our troubles) to melt away.  Then we can clearly see how God has been there the whole time."

As we go into the New Year, my prayer is that this message finds a home in your heart.  For those who are sitting in confusion and darkness, know that God is present with you through the fog.  Believe.  Trust.  One day you will look back and see how his light was a guiding force for you when you remain faithful.

For those who are called to make a step beyond their own understanding, recognize the incredible gift of our faith:  It is only through God that we can become all whom he has called us to be.  True strength lies in the chasm between our best effort and the further, glorious place where he wants us to be.  {Click to Tweet.}  It's not about your own strength or understanding.  Just take his hand and show up!

The quote above is from Max Lucado, Grace for the Moment: 365 Devotions for Kids (Nashville: Tommy Nelson, 2012), 309.

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Happy New Year, friends!  I am delighted to begin this new year in ministry with you.  As moms, we can be a conduit of blessings from God to our families!  If you are new to this blog, don't miss your chance to sign up to receive my posts via email.  You will receive a free printable and will not have to worry about lots of emails.  My plan is to blog every other week this year, so that I can be working on some *exciting* plans for you!

And did this post resonate with you?  Share your comments below.  In addition, you might also appreciate the posts Warning: Peaks Ahead, Risky Business, What to Do in a Storm, 4 Life-Saving Lessons When Adversity Strikes and What I Learned from a Staircase.