With the arrival of the new year and the new decade it is the annual time to look ahead and get prepared for what is coming. One can never be prepared for what is coming because we don’t know what lurks around the corner. Of course, this is not a good excuse to neglect a little foresight and planning for the year ahead.
I haven’t had 20/20 vision without the use of corrective lenses, since I was in grade school. In my 20’s I had eye surgery to medically alter my eye lenses so that I could see without glasses or contacts. By my mid 30’s I needed glasses again. I struggle to see without help. And the same is true for you–it’s just that you may not know it.
One of Jesus’ key works in the life of His children is to bring sight to the blind. The truth we miss is that, prior to Jesus, we are all blind. It is the work of Jesus to bring eyes of faith to the hearts of all who believe. Without Jesus our vision is clouded and a shroud of sinfulness covers our eyes.
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
The new year has brought far too many pithy statements about having 20/20 vision in 2020. The misnomer, again, is that we can see clearly ahead of us. The age-old axiom is that hindsight is 20/20. So, let’s leverage this truth as we lean into the new year.
As you look back–where did you see God at work in your life. We’ve all been through bad times and dark hours. Perhaps, in the moment, you were blinded and couldn’t see the hand of the Lord upon you. You can’t see very far when you are pressed between a rock and a hard place. But I want you to look back on those moments. View them again with 20/20 hindsight. How did God see you through? Maybe not the way you wanted–but I am convinced He was there working. Things don’t always work out the way we want–but the presence of God shows up–like a rainbow after the storm. So, in a moment of reflection–think back to how God showed up for you and with you in those moments.
This is hindsight. It is the ability to debrief your moments and seasons of life and recognize how the hand of God never left. Even when we miss Him in the moment–God is still in the thick of it with us. Every single time.
Hindsight 20/20 reminds us of these moments. And looking ahead the truth of scripture clings to our weary soul. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever” Hebrews 13:8. It stands to reason then–the one who has been with you in the past and seen you through hardship and challenges–by his very nature–will be with you each and every time you come across difficult circumstances. The nature and character of our God has not changed. His strong arm will see you through. No matter what 2020 holds for us–our families; our friends; our country; our world–lean forward into the new year with your 20/20 hindsight giving you peace and hope. He will not leave you and He will not forsake you.
