Lord, open my spiritual eyes. We can be spiritually blind just like we can be physically blind. I remember when I first got glasses and how much clearer everything was. It was like being in a brand-new world.
Sometimes life is like that in a spiritual way. We can go through life and miss opportunities that the Lord has right in front of us. I must confess that there were many opportunities I missed because I was spiritually immature. I also believe it is a constant battle to allow the Lord to open your eyes to those in need right in front of you.
In our story we see the disciples following Jesus as He teaches them and engages them in ministry. During their development, they needed just as much help as we do to see ministry opportunities.
The Eyes of the Disciples
A Gentile woman sought Jesus and implored Him to heal her daughter who was demon possessed. Although this is a serious situation, the disciples were not eager to help. From our perspective it seems obvious the disciples should have known better
Matthew 15:21 Then Jesus left Galilee and went north to the region of Tyre and Sidon. 22 A Gentile woman who lived there came to him, pleading, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! For my daughter is possessed by a demon that torments her severely.” 23 But Jesus gave her no reply, not even a word. Then his disciples urged him to send her away. “Tell her to go away,” they said. “She is bothering us with all her begging.” [1]
Jesus could see a ministry opportunity. As this woman sought Jesus in faith, it changed her life. Jesus healed her daughter.
Jesus, Open my Eyes
We need Jesus’ eyes and compassion to minister to those around us. The first step for us is to simply ask Jesus for spiritual eyes. As we pray, don’t be surprised when the Lord gives you an opportunity to minister to people in surprising ways. As we are available, the Lord will continue to lead and guide us by the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit will give you the right words to speak at the right time. The Apostle Paul writes about the eyes of our heart being opened. Ephesians 1:18I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance. [2]
When the eyes of our hearts are open, it completely changes how we see others. We pray, Lord, open my spiritual eyes; to learn more, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/seeking-the-lord-changes-my-life-a-gentile-woman
[1,2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.