It's all on the outside By Rev Deb
THE PERIPHERAL VISION BELIEVER
As mentioned in part 1of this study, peripheral vision is defined as one who sees from the sides of their eyes. peripheral vision only focuses on things outside of the line of vision and is insensitive to color. A believer with this condition can be compared to the worrywart shallow heart of Matthew. 13.
The Worrywart!
“But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and began to sink.” Matt. 14:30
The Worrywart!
“But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and began to sink.” Matt. 14:30
The peripheral believer becomes troubled by the storms of life that pop up from the shadowy sides of their vision. The problems that crop up from the sidelines of life, (bills relationships, jobs, family...) cause them to worry about what others may think, where the money will come from to pay the bills, what will I do if I lose my job etc, etc… This causes their perception to become clouded by doubt and in turn, creates a cascading effect which defeats any action of stepping out and moving forward in their faith. They end up missing out on the Lord's colorful plan for them by enslaving themselves to the shadows of doubt and fear.
"But if we say, 'From men'?" For they were afraid of the PEOPLE for everyone considered John to have been a real prophet.” Mark 11:32
Their lack of acuity of vision keeps them fearfully walking by sight, rather than in the power of the Spirit; which in turn causes a vicious cycle of defeat.
Since the side-trackers live from a perspective of worry, they must FOCUS that much more on the things of God. Otherwise, the cares of this world will swallow them up like Jonah being swallowed by the whale.
To truly be a soldier for the Lord the believer with this eye condition must learn to "cast their cares and anxieties upon Him (1pet. 5:7), to really be set free from the affliction of peripheral vision.
In order to find true growth and colorful happiness, the peripheral seeker must trust with the eyes of faith much like an instrument pilot.
A sighted pilot can only trust what he sees and therefore is limited to flying beneath the clouds.
While, on the other hand, an instrument pilot has learned to trust in his instruments to carry him through and above the clouds. He does not rely on his equilibrium (like the sighted pilot) to guide him because he knows that would mean a certain death sentence for him. This is because when you are surrounded by clouds there is no clear-cut direction for your field of vision to perceive.
The same happens to a surfer who has been pulled under by a wave. Their equilibrium is off kilter and therefore is not a good judge of direction at that moment. The surfer must rely on his God-given instrument. He must rely on the bubbles coming from his mouth to show what is the correct direction to safety.
Bubbles in water will always travel to the surface because they are comprised of gases, which have a lesser density than water.
So then, like the instrument pilot and the surfer, the peripheral believer must also not allow their compromised equilibrium to dictate the direction of their Christian life. Their FOCUS should be to give their worries over to the Lord for Him to take care of it.
"Casting ALL your worries upon Him, because He cares for you!!!" 1Pet. 5:7
The peripheral side-tracker must be determined to forsake the, "What happens next", "Why me Lord," "What will they think," How can I get by… and the dreaded “What if” outlook and focus their attention on acknowledging the only One that can set them free of self-doubt.
“My dear brothers and sisters, God owns the earth and everything in it. He owns the cattle on a thousand hills- He knows the plans he has for you... Be a light that God can use- Stop worrying and trust in the Lord with ALL YOUR heart, lean NOT on YOUR OWN understanding, in ALL [ALL ALL] your ways acknowledge Him and He WILL [WILL WILL] make your path STRAIGHT!!! Cast ALL your worries on Him, because He cares so much about you…” (Psalm 24:1; Psalm 50:10; Proverbs 3:5,6;1 Pet.5:7)
“But Martha was DISTRACTED with all her preparations; and she came up to Him and said, "Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me." Luke 10:40
"But the Lord answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are WORRIED and bothered about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part (to trust (focus) in God), which shall not be taken away from her."
Martha was so filled with worries and distractions and walking the PERIPHERAL side-trackers life, that she was missing out on what was most important of all- her walk with Christ!!! Her True Mission!!! God's Plan For Her!!! ...
Do you think that God's purpose and the reason you were born, was to grow into an adult, get a job, get married, have babies, buy a house, work, get old and then die?
Or can you step out on the faith of a mustard seed, and look beyond the peripheral view like Mary and sit at the feet of the Master to listen with your heart, and find out what your true purpose in this life really is?
This life is like "a flower that is here for a moment and the withers away, but you are more valuable than a flower"
(1 Pet.1:24)
“What God has spoken in His word endures forever“ (vs23).
“Don't miss out on the true blessings that have an eternal reward. Don't throw it all away (Heb. 10:35) by being involved in the cares of this world system, which are all mere shadows, mirages, and fears resulting from unbelief- These will all perish with the using (Col. 2:22), but rather, be a Mary who sat at the feet of Jesus and receive eternal blessings”.
“Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.”
Jam. 1:17
Jam. 1:17
“For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7
“Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the heavens and the earth; Yours is the dominion, O LORD, and You exalt Yourself as head over all.” 1 Chronicles 29:11
"For we have no power to face this vast army (health, bills, relationships, jobs, families, friends...) that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are (fixed) upon you." (2Chron. 20:12)
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2
The Doctor will see his next patient now for optical test #3 Click Here
Until then, keep your EYES (focused) on the Author and perfecter of your faith!
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