Widen Your Gaze

When objects are not seen from the center of view, it is called tunnel vision.  Too often, people go through life having tunnel vision.  It is like driving a car that has blind spots because of the design.

Not being able to see vehicles approaching from the left and right rear is dangerous when peripheral vision is blocked.  These moments are most critical when driving defensively.

Not too long ago, thinking it was clear to maneuver my car into another lane, to my surprise, I heard a horn blasting because I failed to see the car in my blind spot.  I’m thankful they were observant and had a working horn to warn me. No doubt, most people who drive can relate to similar situations.

Not only is it important to stay alert when driving, it is imperative to remain visual in the spiritual realm to prevent Satan and his minions from blindsiding us as they lurk in the shadows of our blind spots.  Remaining hidden, they attempt to sneak in like a thief in the night when we least expect it.

We are most vulnerable when the cares of life obscure our vision from seeing satanic activity in their scheming efforts to deceive and lead us astray.  We must strive to always stay vigilant.

When we stand in Christ, ready to face demons from hell, their attempts to harm us are spoiled.  It’s when people walk around in a preoccupied state of mind—wearing blinders—that their field of gaze can become compromised.  Tunnel vision is the result.

Failure to widen one’s gaze can prove dangerous to the physical makeup and well-being of the soul.  Visibility is affected when certain activities block sight because of inattentive behavior.  The negative results that occur are vivid reminders of the importance of maintaining awareness of our surroundings.

An example: in the physical realm of everyday living, is daydreaming when walking from the car to a store.  It is most important to stay cognizant.  Talking on the phone is distracting, thus oblivious to someone lurking in the shadows that could prove to be a threat in some locations.

There are unscrupulous people, everywhere, taking advantage of those who are unaware of their surroundings.  Physical assaults and robberies are on the increase, whereas homicides and attacks are daily occurrences in every city. 

Becoming a statistic can be avoided by staying alert.  This is indeed an eye-opener and hopefully resonates with those who read this.  Spiritual attacks are just as prevalent from the enemy of our soul.  They have been happening since Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.

In the years I’ve walked with Jesus, some of my friends and even preachers of the Gospel have fallen prey to satanic attacks and walked away for the Lord.  They allowed temptation to steal their salvation and caused them to backslide.

Satan is still on the rampage, seeking whom he may devour.  His main objective and goal is to take us to hell.  Christians, who dropped their guard and became complacent in their faith, entangled themselves in worldly pleasures.  They threw in the towel of defeat and waived a white flag to surrender for a few moments of ungodly activities.

It takes spiritual stamina, the work of the Holy Spirit, with an ongoing determination to serve God and stay in the battle to keep our soul secure from satanic attack.  Any person who uncouples their forward motion from a disciplined, Christian lifestyle, runs the risk of allowing Satan to beguile them with influential lies in his quest for their soul. 

But God is greater!  He is a forgiving, merciful God, who loves us dearly and wants us to succeed.  He forgives those that tripped and fell, because of tunnel vision when they ask.

(1 John 1:9), “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Scripture also tells us in (Matthew 24:12-13), “And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.” (vs 13) “But he who endures to the end shall be saved.”

With God’s help, we can resist Satan’s cunning attempts to devour us.  When we widen our gaze, we see clearly who he is, a wolf in sheep’s clothing.  We remain free from the devil’s influence as we rebuke him in the name of Jesus.  When we resist the devil, he will flee from us, but it takes widening our gaze to see him when he’s around.

(1 Peter 5:8), “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” 

As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.  I have a made-up mind to walk with Jesus and not allow the cares of life to blind me when Satan comes in like a flood.

(Isaiah 59:19), “So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the west, and His glory from the rising of the sun; when the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him.”

(Romans 5:20), “Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound.  But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more.

Satan is the father of lies—the distorter of truth.  But God’s grace is sufficient for all our needs according to His riches in glory.  His mercy endures forever.

www.wordsfrompapa.blogspot.com

Written by,

Papa Boyd