Bee made her way to her bed and snuggled in for the night. My daughter was concerned with where she might be and looked back into the bedroom. At first glance, all she saw was a black and white blanket. But then after a couple of seconds, it registered in her mind that Bee was lying on top of the blanket.
Sometimes, we are given insight that can only be understood through the lenses of our present circumstances. Discernment over an issue or concern will only evolve in the right conditions.
When Paul was walking to Damascus, his mind was set. He could only see the mission set before him. He had calculated how he was going to imprison the Christians and bring them back to Jerusalem to be punished. As he walked forward with other determined Jews, it appeared nothing was going to change his mind.
But then, a bright light appeared and Paul stumbled to the ground. He heard a voice, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”
“Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked.
“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. “Now get up and go to the city, and you will be told what you must do.” (Acts 9:4-6)
The men that were with Paul saw the light, heard a sound, but couldn’t understand it. I often wondered why. Why could only Paul hear Jesus’ voice?
I was discussing this with the women in my Bible study and came to realize that Jesus is a personal God. These words were only meant for Paul at this particular moment in time. God knew Paul’s heart and what needed to happen in order to change his course.
God also knows me and what it would take to get my attention. So with two months of no weight bearing and a nerve pain that keeps me up at night, I have been given the opportunity to stop and listen to his voice. And hopefully, I will eventually walk (literally and figuratively) away with discernment about the present life I have been so graciously been given.
As for Bee, she got out of bed this morning and is now clearly visible for all to see. She and Vern are ready to go out for their morning walk. A walk that I once took for granted, but now have come to truly appreciate.
