By Brenda Carlile
Jesus Christ, the embodiment of God’s shalom, invites all people to come and receive divine peace in the midst of the difficult questions and struggles of life. Follow Christ in the way that leads to God’s peace and discover the blessings of all of the dimensions of salvation.
I am visioned-impaired. I don’t mean physical vision. I’m talking about the “big picture.” I am so focused on what is troubling my life that I sometimes see only me.
There are moments during prayer, listening to music, meditating, or hearing declarations of love by my children, my purpose and direction are clear.
Then I let doubt, fear, and depression fog my intent. My lack of vision often sends me down the path of least resistance, one heavy with avoidance.
Obvious answers, direction, and God-given help from family or friends often elude me. Just when I’ve lost all hope of ever finding my way to the forefront, possibilities appear. God strikes my consciousness with the Holy Spirit and fills me with grace.
Grace speaks through my children, who love and support me. Grace gives me security through devoted friendships. Grace brings me the message on Sunday morning, reasserting the worth of persons.
God’s grace gives me what I lack in my own humanness. God stands with me to face my challenge. If vision impairment is one your traits, I pray you will come to understand you are never alone. God’s grace will restore your vision to find the forefront and bring the ministry of Christ to bear.
Prayer Phrase
“See, I am making all things new” (Revelation 21:5).
Weaving a Life
Hold, or imagine yourself holding, a piece of patterned cloth. Examine it carefully. Notice overlapping threads, mingling colors that form the design. Write a journal entry or meditate about the threads and patterns of your life. What design do you see? How does the life pattern you are weaving create justice and wholeness in God’s world? What new pattern is God calling you to weave?
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.