Devotionals

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Fresh Eyes
by Lesley-Anne Evans Feb. 2008

“But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear.” Matthew 13:16

Recently I took my young daughter to the Seaton House of Prayer to teach her about quiet times with God. We walked in silence along a pathway that led through the Stations of the Cross. Our walk ended at small hill. At the top was a wooden cross with a life-size sculpture of the crucified Christ. I still get shivers. Outside my comfort zone, I was moved as I considered Jesus’ sacrifice for me. I was there to teach my daughter, yet that moment became powerfully personal to me.

What does a personal relationship with Jesus Christ really mean? 

My relationship with Jesus seems impersonal sometimes. Personal should mean a best-friend kind of relationship, but I limit my faith to doing. I want personal, but what does that look like? Is it experienced in quiet times with Jesus? Could it be more?

Not long ago Italian bracelets were popular. Starting with the basics, you added links for your birthday, favourite colour, anything meaningful, and over time it became one-of-a-kind, personalized.

My life with Jesus can be like that. He gave me my first breath. He died to give me a life that never ends. He asks me to discover the meaningful, personalized, connecting links to him. No more comparing my faith to others. No more trying to measure up. God has a better way. God invites me to recognize his unique expression in my life, and pursue him in a way that frees me to be me.

Gary Thomas, in his book Sacred Pathways says, “ The most unbelievable joy is that you can enjoy a relationship with God that he will have with no one else.”(emphasis mine) God created me uniquely, and I relate best to him in ways that are distinct to me, no-one else.

Years ago, my son said a strange thing that now rings true, “Mom, sometimes I think there are pictures in the snow that God only wants me to see.”.  Wow. Does the God of heaven communicate like that? 

As my relationship with Jesus grows I find him in places I never would have expected. He is generous, flavourful, complex and personal in my life. I’ve discovered him while walking my dog. I’ve felt him in the touch of my children. You may experience him as you hike along a mountain trail, as you sing worship songs, as you serve him. Intimacy with God may grow as you engage in intense theological debate, or times of solitude. We are all created differently, and our God wants to relate personally with each one of us.

Could God be calling me to know him differently? Personally?

Prayer: Lord, help me to see outside my limitations. You are a creative and vibrantly personal God. I want our relationship to be alive and one-of-a-kind. Open my eyes to see you in fresh ways. Amen.

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