Enlightened Eyes

Enlightened Eyes

“The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling . . .” Eph. 1:18.

What a tremendous hope each disciple of Jesus Christ has in “His calling” over their lives. The hope which the gospel gives, which we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, where Jesus has entered for us as our forerunner. Heb. 6:19-20.

Storms come in life, and without an anchor, we will quickly be carried away by the winds and waves that come from our feelings and human understanding. Eph. 4:14. Prov. 3:5. We have such an anchor, both sure and steadfast behind the veil, where our forerunner has entered, and we can follow Him!

“For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.” Rom. 8:29. None who have forsaken all to follow the Master in His sufferings unto glory, will be disappointed in their hope. 1 Pet. 4:1. They have all good reason to rejoice in the hope of the glory of God that will come into their life, and not only that, but to also glory in tribulations. Rom. 5:2-3.

In our tribulations and temptations there is an opportunity for us to show our confidence and love toward God, and for Him to show Himself strong on our behalf. It is written that when Jesus was reviled, He did not revile in return. When He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to God who judges righteously. 1 Pet. 2:23. We are called to follow His steps, in humility and faith toward God, so that His grace can be with us in abundance. He has promised us that He will never allow us to be tempted beyond what we are able to endure. 1 Cor. 10:13.

With enlightened eyes of our heart, our hope shines brightly in the midst of the many trials and adversities that life can bring. “If you faint in the day of adversity your strength is small.” Prov. 24:10. But by a living hope in our God who cannot lie, who promised us eternal life before time began, and who guides every detail for our salvation and purification, the day of adversity becomes a day of opportunity. We see clearly, through adversity, our great need of God’s grace and the power of His Spirit to endure unto victory. When we humble ourselves under His mighty hand, He has promised that He will exalt us in due time, with life and virtue!

We see the sin in our flesh which the Spirit of truth reveals and which we can put to death by the Spirit. By acknowledging and hating what is revealed, we put to death the deeds of our body, and take another step into the life we long for.

“As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a spring. . . . They go from strength to strength; each one appears before God in Zion.” Ps. 84:6-7.

Discouragement or drawing back is not an option for those who have anointed eyes to see the opportunity they have for the salvation of their souls. 1 Pet. 1:6-11. Without these enlightened eyes, blaming others and circumstances can quickly blind people’s sight. Rather than seeing golden opportunities to lay hold on eternal life, they only see people, problems, difficulties, unrighteousness, injustice, etc. The darkness of deceit sets in, where Satan has access to accuse, discourage, judge and condemn.

Jesus is the author and perfecter of our faith. To attain the joy that was set before Him, He endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Heb. 12:2. He was tempted and tried in all things and overcame! The Lion of the tribe of Judah prevailed. Praise to His Name in all of eternity!

He is now ever living to make intercession for all those who come to God through Him. Ch. 7:25. We have been called to overcome, even as He also overcame! They are all of One, and He is not ashamed to call them His brethren. Ch. 2:11. They will sit with Him on His throne in Zion and reign with Him in eternity!

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Rom. 15:13.