©Joy Dunlap https://joydunlap.com
A severe poke in the eye in the midst of a tight game caused Duke’s standout basketball player Zion Williamson to leave the contest in the first half. To observers, he looked healthy and strong when he came back to the bench. Yet he stayed out the rest of the game. Why? Double vision.
The 6 ft.7 in. athlete known for his incredible dunking skills, power and defensive ability just couldn’t focus his sight. Despite his talent, training and athleticism, the inability to see clearly would significantly degrade his effectiveness. Thankfully, his teammates, coached by the winningest coach in history, used their skills to win the game against Florida State while Zion’s vision recovered.
While Zion’s double vision was physical, ours may be spiritual.
Double Vision Symptoms
Reading and sight aren’t the only things affected by the medical malady of double vision. So are balance and movement.
Spiritual double vision not only affects the balance in our lives but also the movement in our relationship with God and others.
We get out of sync. We stumble. We have difficulty avoiding obstacles and seeing God clearly.
God’s image begins to blur as another image shows up beside or on top of it. Unlike the eye affliction where the second image is the same as the original, our spiritual double vision may show up when money, career, prestige, family or ourselves become superimposed on God’s image in our minds.
Heart Injuries
An injury to the heart. An insult. An unjust action. Each can be like a jab to the eye that distorts our spiritual vision.
When we suffer a “poke in the eye” or endure excruciating pain and heartache due to the action of someone else, the after effects can last long after the initial injury.
Replaying the incident, remembering the hurt, and resenting the person or situation can prevent us from fully focusing on God and the purpose He has for us.
Spiritual Rx
Medical experts say one exercise that can help with actual double-vision is to focus on a specific detail, then once we get it in focus, to move it closer and closer.
Why not do the same with our spiritual vision?
Intently focus on God’s character – His love and forgiveness. Remember His blessings. Search the Bible for truths about His presence and His power.
Listen to the advice of our Heavenly Coach. Communicate with “teammates” who was walking with the Lord in life.
As we fix our eyes on the Lord, trusting Him to heal us spiritually, we will move closer and closer to the One who created us, who healed us, and loves us.
I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. Ephesians 1:18 NIV
What “poke in the eye” by someone has affected or still affects your spiritual walk?
How has your vision of God or clarity of His purpose for you been impacted?
What sometimes prevents you from keeping God fully in focus?
What step will you take today to allow you to see Him more clearly in your life?
Jesus stopped and ordered the man to be brought to him. When he came near, Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?”
“Lord, I want to see,” he replied.
Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.”
Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God. When all the people saw it, they also praised God. Luke 18:40-43 NIV
Remember…Life Is Better When It’s Full – Joy-full, Thank-full, Purpose-full and Friend-full! ™