Believing Is Seeing

Look Above, See Beyond, and Live in Peace and Purpose

Focusing beyond what we can see around or inside ourselves—to see what cannot be seen—is supernatural. Beyond our human ability. Yet, with all the trouble in the world around us, and as a result, the pain and anguish in the hearts of many, we need this ability now more than ever. But here is the good news. This greater perspective—and rest in the face of every crisis—has been freely given to every son and daughter of God. For us, believing is seeing, not the other way around. 

​Corrie Ten Boom, the brave Dutch Christian woman pictured above, was born almost 130 years ago. She and all her family loved and worshiped God. As a result, she could see beyond unbelievable atrocities under the Nazi rule during World War II. Time after time, Corrie believed God, saw beyond imminent danger, and from a posture of rest, did what was right. She achieved great things, for the Jewish people and for humanity.
 
Corrie died 38 years ago, yet her words still resonate today. We can rest in God, see above, and live beyond even the most trying circumstances. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Phil. 4:13). 

Looking Is a Choice – Seeing Beyond Is God’s Gift

While we cannot ignore the worldwide pandemic and a host of other challenges confronting society today, we can tap into the gift God has given us. We can choose to see beyond looking. We can truly live. Rise above surviving. While doing so, we can help others. Before World War II, Corrie’s family were jewelers and watchmakers. During the Nazi occupation, they became involved in the Dutch underground and hid Jewish people in their home a half block away from police headquarters.1 They did what the Lord led them to do in the face of threatening consequences, resting in God.
 
Corrie’s family was later arrested, and all were released except Corrie, her father, and her sister Betsie. Ten days later, her father died, and then after her trial, Corrie and Betsie were sent to a women’s labor concentration camp—where they held nightly worship services after grueling days of work, using a Bible they had smuggled in.2 I don’t know about you, but this opened my eyes about looking above and seeing beyond.
 
The story gets sweeter. After the war, Corrie set up a rehabilitation center for concentration-camp survivors and unemployed Dutch people who had collaborated with the Germans. Let me be clear. The center received and helped all: victims, as well as those who had caused them harm. Corrie later traveled the world sharing her faith and telling her incredible story, which is recorded in her bestselling book, The Hiding Place.3

Jesus Is the Same Yesterday, Today, and Forever

It is amazing what we can do when, as sons and daughters of God, we draw close to the Lord, receive vision and strength, and from a posture of rest, do what we have been put on this earth to do. The spiritual ability to believe and see is not based on our outward conditions (Matt. 5:8, AMPC). Over the years, life has given me many reasons to look at the world, look within, and lose my peace. But God has given me—and YOU—the priceless gift to see beyond, live beyond, and go beyond life’s limitations, whatever they may be.
 
If you are saved, I encourage you to make the best quality choice during these troubled times. Choose to look beyond and see God, who is far greater than worldly troubles or your inner struggle. Fix your gaze on what cannot be seen, rest in Him, and rise above setbacks and challenges. Then you can do what He has put in you to do. What the Lord did for Corrie and many others who have gone before us, He will do for you and me.
 
If you don’t know Jesus and would like to receive Him as your savior and Lord, would you say this prayer with me? “Dear Jesus, I believe You are the Son of God. Come into my heart and save me. I give all of myself to You. Lead me, Lord, and I will follow You from this day forward. Amen.” Now, the gift of seeing (and many others) is yours! The more you spend time with the Lord—in His Word, in prayer, and as you live your daily life of worship—the more you will “see beyond” the here and now, see things His way, and rest as you walk in purpose. 

1-3 Wikipedia, https://en.m.wikipedia.org, “Corrie ten Boom.” Accessed February 8, 2021.
Featured screen quote: www.azquotes.com, “Corrie Ten Boom Quotes.” Accessed February 8, 2021.
Featured screen verse: YouVersion Bible App, https://youversion.com. Accessed January 26, 2021.

© 2021 Paula R. Bryant • All rights reserved