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Single Minded
by Michelle Brinson
from his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth-
he who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do.
Psalm 33:13-15 NIV
How I wish I could see things as Jesus sees them. I wonder how different things might look to me if I were truly able to see them through His eyes.
When Samuel went to anoint the new king of Israel, he learned that God's measure of a person was different from man's measure.
1 Samuel 16:7 NIV
This still remains true today. God does not look at us from the outside… but rather from the inside.
I love the story of the blind man in the book of John, Chapter 9. Jesus and His disciples are going along when they come across a man who has been blind since birth. During this time it was a common belief that if someone was blind, deaf, paralyzed or had other ailments such as leprosy, it was due to some sin in that person's life or in the lives of their parents. So, when the disciples asked Jesus, who had sinned, this man or his parents, that this man would be born blind… I'm sure they were quite surprised by His answer.
John 9:3 NIV
In His answer, Jesus was essentially saying, "You're asking the wrong questions. You think this man's blindness is due to something he did or something his family did. However, this man was born blind so that the power of God could be displayed in his life… today… at this very moment in time."
How often have you found yourself wondering if it was because of the sin in your life when something bad happened to you and you thought for sure God was punishing you? I know I've thought that on many different occasions. For some reason, it's almost easier to think there is a punishment for every action… because that's how it is in the real world. However, God works in a completely different way that what we can't see with our eyes.
For example, I'm sure many of you know the story of Mary, Martha and Lazarus. In John 11 we see where Lazarus has gotten sick, and his sisters sent word to Jesus to tell Him Lazarus is sick. I'm sure they were expecting Jesus to come immediately and heal their brother. Jesus loved Lazarus. They were all very close friends. Mary and Martha had seen other miracles Jesus had performed and I'm sure they felt certain Jesus would come and heal their brother Lazarus. I'm sure they too were surprised by His answer because Jesus didn't come for 2 more days.
John 11:4 NIV
I think what is interesting in that Jesus said "this sickness will not end in death" – because Lazarus did die. But when He said this, Jesus knew exactly what was going to happen… He's God's Son. He has all the power of God, yet in the body of a man. He was in complete control of the situation. Nothing… absolutely nothing - that was about to happen was going to be a surprise to Him. The key word here is "end." Jesus said, "This sickness will not end in death."
Let's dig a little deeper into this story… two days pass and Jesus tells His disciples it is time to return to Judea. His disciples were afraid… only a few days had passed since the Jews in Judea had tried to stone Jesus. Again, Jesus knows exactly what's about to happen… no surprises for Him. He tells His disciples He's going to go and wake His friend Lazarus. The disciples think Jesus means from a natural sleep… not death.
John 11:14-15 NIV
Even Mary and Martha didn't know what was about to happen.
John 11:21 NIV
So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, "Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me." When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!" The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face.
John 11:40-43 NIV
The disciples couldn't see what Jesus could see when He gave sight to the blind man.
Mary and Martha couldn't see what Jesus could see when He raised Lazarus from the dead.
In both situations these things happen so that the Son of God would be glorified through it.
When things are difficult and don't go as we have planned, I'm the first one to pray, "Dear Lord, will please help me out of this?" As I've studied these scriptures and many more examples of God at work in the lives of those He loves, I've come to the conclusion I'm asking the wrong questions.
Instead of pleading with God to get me out of the situation, I know the question I should be asking is "How can God gain glory through this?" I know it will be tough to change my mindset, but I am committed to making the change because there are so many promises to those who desire a relationship with the Lord. God's word clearly tells us, He will give beauty for ashes and gladness in mourning (Isaiah 61:3). He knows we will have trouble… but if we are willing, He will deliver us in a way that will bring Him glory.
the face of the LORD is against those who do evil, to cut off the memory of them from the earth.
The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all;
Psalm 34:15-19 NIV
God is always at work. He's omnipotent… meaning He sees all and knows all. We can put our hope in Him and rest that He is always in control. And it just might help if in the midst of our trials we take a moment to ask ourselves… "How can God be glorified through this situation?" and then ask God to do just that.
Dear Lord, please change our hearts and minds so that we become more hopeful in You and more obedient to the things You desire for us to do… as we walk in Your light and Your will. Amen.
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Michelle sees her marriage as a ministry and desires for it and herself to be used by God. She and her husband and son are active members of their church. She is also passionate about spreading the good news locally as well as internationally via mission trips to East Africa and wherever else the Lord leads.
Michelle is a talented writer and speaker who prays God will use her in sharing His hope and truths to those who are hurting and in need of love.
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