Why Spiritual Hindsight is Always 20/20

Have you heard the saying, Hindsight is 20/20? 

Growing up, my vision was always great, until it wasn’t. Years ago, I lost distance vision from working at a computer for my job. An eye doctor explained how vision we no longer use, we lose.

Our eyes make the adjustment, Oh, this is the distance you’re going to see.

Now, I’m near sighted and have glasses for when I need to see far away. 

Often, the same holds true in spiritual vision. We wish we could see what God’s doing in our life—how He’s working for our good. 

So we lose spiritual vision because we fail to use it, we fail to trust God is God and on His throne. And we become near sighted, only putting our faith in God when we can actually see His works come to fruition. 

But the people mentioned in the Hall of Faith, Hebrews 11, believed God would fulfill His promises even though many of them never “saw” these promises come to pass. 

“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)

“Assurance about what we do not see” is the hardest part. 

Maybe I can’t see things at a distance, but my faith eyes can have full assurance in God for on down the road and into the future.

Spiritual Hindsight Helps Us Trust God

Spiritual hindsight is how I’ve learned to trust God. And it’s always 20/20.

The ABC’s for Life in Christ

Sometimes we lose sight of our life in Christ. But these elements of Christianity set us apart from the world and other religions.

Because they are essential to help us grow in our relationship with Christ. And the spiritual tools we need to live as a believer.

So, here are the ABC’s for a life in Christ.

Life in Christ: Abide

Abide in Christ. “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing” John 15:5, ESV.

Believe God. Believe what God says and who He is. Because when the journey turns bumpy, our Christian beliefs carry us over life’s potholes. “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness” Romans 4:3b, NIV.

Confess. Confess our sin against God, own it, and take responsibility for when we go in the wrong direction. Because sometimes we fall into sin or we fail to walk in the direction God instructed (Proverbs 28:13 and James 4:17).

Declare God’s glory and works. We declare His glory and works to others and ourselves. In other words, preach it. Then preach it to the choir. “Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!” Psalm 96:3, ESV.

Encourage other believers. “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up” 1 Thessalonians 5:11, NIV.

Forget what’s behind. Looking back on our life may help us move forward. But Jesus never intended for the past to paralyze us (Philippians 3:13-14).

Hope in the Hope-Giver

Give all. We give our heart and life to Jesus. Yet, it never ends there. Giving Christ everything: our cares, desires, goals, and relationships (1 Peter 5:7, Romans 12:1).

Not Leaning on Our Own Understanding

“Our limited understanding can lead us astray.”

~ Beckie Lindsey

My beautiful writing friend, Beckie, passed away recently after a long battle with ovarian cancer. I initially met her at a Christian writers conference and we stayed connected. And we wrote guest posts for each other’s blog sites. Beckie penned this amazing article I’m sharing with you this week.

By Beckie Lindsey

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV

This passage in Proverbs tells us if we trust in the Lord, we cannot also depend upon our own ability to understand everything God is doing.

However, most of us have a desperate desire to understand.

And yet in so many areas, we must acknowledge we cannot always understand. It’s often frustrating and sometimes downright infuriating. 

The tension that we feel from our limited understanding is eased by a further look into Scripture. Here are a few reasons we are not to lean on our own understanding but rest in God’s:

Not Leaning: We don’t have a clear picture, but God does. 

Unbelievable: Every Spiritual Blessing in Christ

Don’t miss this: there are unbelievable spiritual blessings for those of us in Christ. And these blessings are straight from heavenly places.

I’ve formed a word-habit in my online replies. I throw out the word over and over again.

Blessings! Thanks and blessings! I pray blessings over your ministry. Blessings to you and your family! God bless! 

See what I mean? I quite overuse the word.

But do I realize what’s behind the well wishes? And do I give consider how unbelievable my blessings are in Christ?

Unbelievable: Vast Blessings

We’ve heard it said to count our blessings. 

But if we look at the shocking amount of blessings God extends to us, they are hard to number.

Of course, we all count ourselves blessed with family and friends. Also, blessed in how God provides for our daily needs.

And who’s not giving grateful these days for the blessing of health? I pray to never take a healthy body for granted. Or, the physical well-being of my spouse, children, grandchildren, and all my loved ones.

But there are times we forget, even as Christ-followers. So we need reminding of the vast blessings from a gracious God, too numerous to even count. Unbelievalbe blessings.

Blessed is Our Generous God

For example, take the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Church at Ephesus. After he greets the saints who were faithful in Christ, he says this.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us IN Christ with EVERY spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 1:3 (ESV)

I’m an Average Girl With an Above Average God

There’s something I want you to know. I’m just an average girl with an above average God. He’s the one true God. The Almighty.

We use the terms “average” and “above average” when talking about test scores, skill level, talents, workmanship, food, and more.

So I’m thankful the Lord takes ordinary people and transforms us from the inside out.

Because the Lord always meant for us to connect who we are with whose we are.

Our identity lies in the Father, we belong to Him.

Still, we likely cannot list all the wonderful and amazing attributes about the Lord, but let’s discuss some of these characteristics.

Above Average God

God’s glory cannot be mistaken. He’s God. Mighty. Powerful. Majestic. Holy. Eternal. Infinite. Wise. Faithful.

“For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised, and he is to be feared above all gods.” 1 Chronicles 16:25 (ESV)

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.” Isaiah 6:3 (NIV)

The one true God. He’s living, Creator, sovereign, in control, majestic, loving, Judge, Most High, reigning King, light, magnificent, good, and merciful.

“So that from the rising of the sun to the place of its setting people may know there is none besides me. I am the Lord, and there is no other.” Isaiah 45:6 (ESV)

“God reigns over the nations; God sits on his holy throne.” Psalm 47:8 (ESV)

From the Desert to the Promised Land With God

Desert experiences are no respecter of persons.

And this includes God’s people as long as we live on the earth.

But God provides in every way, in every desert we travel through. Like He did for the children of Israel.

Perhaps great loss transported us smack dab in the middle of a desert.

Maybe a job and income loss. A loved one passed away or a natural disaster took everything from us. Or the loss of a lifelong dream.

Further, we catapult into a desolate wasteland during prolonged illness of ourselves or a family member. Also during depression, traumatic circumstances, difficult relationships, and more.

God leads us from the desert to the Promised Land.

God Guides Our Steps in the Desert

We often stumble and wander with no certain direction of how to navigate our wasteland. So, we need help from on High—from our compassionate God.  

“Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105 (ESV)

God provided a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night to guide the Israelites in the desert (Exodus 13). His Word will always guide our feet and path. We pray for wisdom and direction and we seek God’s face and the Scriptures.

“And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.” Isaiah 30:21 (ESV)

God Makes a Way

5 Steps to an Unstoppable Faith

I have faith. Until I don’t. Because when the world seems uncertain and hard circumstances come my way, my faith is anything but unstoppable.

As Christians, we often teeter between standing on a firm faith in God and sinking in the quicksand of doubt.  

But the Christian journey necessitates an unstoppable faith.

So I’m learning a firm and unrelenting faith is what God desires for His people. 

Yet, we often hesitate in our confidence in the Lord and His promises. Still, look at how Hebrews describes faith.

“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)

Faith is not a receive-it-all-at-once deal.

Because the confidence in what we hope for and the assurance about what we do not see, grows and strengthens while we live out our Christian lives on this earth. 

Here are 5 steps to an unstoppable F-A-I-T-H:

F – Find God faithful: Unstoppable Faith

We come to God in faith, believing He is Creator and Lord, and accepting His salvation by faith through Jesus Christ. This faith continues in our life as we find God faithful and learn He always fulfills His promises. 

A Living Hope in Resurrection Power

At some point in life, everyone searches for hope. And while the world offers many forms, they all fizzle and fade away. So what if there’s a living hope available to anyone willing to find it? God set the stage to bring a living hope to a hopeless people through resurrection power.

Peeking through the curtain, I scanned the audience and hoped my entire family showed up. I’d landed my first high-school role in the broadway musical, South Pacific. 

Thankfully, my character as the island girl, Liat, called for a few speaking parts and no singing—not my strong suit. With sweaty palms and a rush of adrenaline, I checked the seats again. And if my people show up, would I make them proud when I took my final bow?

From side stage during the first scene, my gaze spotted them through the blinding light. 

All my loved ones occupied the entire third row. They’re here,now break a leg.

Hope in Resurrection Power

I found my groove and remembered my few lines with no blunders. But my glory days as an actress ended soon after.

History also recounts a glory day when hope showed up. Over 2000 years ago, God set the stage for a story of hope to unfold.

The birth of the Christ-child took place in a lowly stable where animals occupied the front-row seats.

Jesus grew and carried out the heavenly Father’s will. The supernatural happened in His presence. He served the community and reached out to wanderers, outcasts, and the wayward lost without hope.

Jesus’ life, center stage, pointed the glory and applause to God alone. 

The Tomb Where Hope Rose

5 Ways to Live My Life for God

How do we live our life for God?

Whether we’ve been a believer for years or a short time, living our life for God is really what the Christian life is about.

So let’s look at 5 ways to live a life for God in these Bible verses.

(1.) A Heart Completely God’s: Life for God

“For the eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His.” 2 Chronicles 16:9 (NASB, 1995 edition)

My life verse since college, I wanted to start here. Because accepting Christ into my heart as Savior at sixteen made me a child of the Most High God.

And I desire to stay focused on giving my heart completely to Him. 

But this isn’t a half-hearted devotion to the Lord as secondary in my life. No, I make Him number one with my highest devotion and attention. 

Reflection: Is our heart divided between God and the world or completely His?

Prayer: Lord, I continue to welcome You into my heart to reign supremely. Help my heart stay undivided and completely Yours. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

(2.) Celebrating Who I Am: Body, Soul, Spirit

“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.” Psalm 139:14-15 (ESV)

While it’s taken some time, I’m learning to embrace how wonderfully the Lord formed me in the beginning and keep praising Him for ALL the intricate details of my life—who I am in Christ.

How Do We Surrender All to Jesus Christ?

Ever since I gave my heart and life to Christ at sixteen, I’ve heard about surrender in the Christian life. And I remember singing a familiar hymn to surrender all to Jesus even before my salvation. 

The lyrics and melody play in my mind often. 

Surrendering everything about our lives is an important aspect of our faith journey. And it’s key to our spiritual maturity. 

But how do we surrender “all” to Jesus? 

Jesus modeled surrender in a life completely surrendered to the heavenly Father.

So let’s look at Scriptures that point us to the surrendered life. Even though these are familiar Bible verses, read and meditate on them in the light of surrendering all. 

Surrender All

(1.) “Then Jesus told his disciples, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.’” Matthew 16:24 (ESV)

We surrender control. We deny going our own way—the right to live for ourselves. Because following Jesus with full surrender and faithfully living as a believer, is not even about me.

Instead, it’s “all” about the One who said, “Follow Me.”

(2.) “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV)

Surrender is trusting in Christ and acknowledging His wisdom and lordship. Jesus wants our surrender, not our sufficiency. 

We fully surrender to who Jesus is and as Lord over our lives.