Vision means...to see things with the eye of faith

The eye of faith does not necessarily conflict with the natural eye
To some Christians the exercise of faith means that we have to totally disregard the natural. But God has given us intellect, which in itself is not a hindrance to vision.
But of course, we have to rely not on intellect alone. If we do then the eye of faith will definitely be in conflict with the eye of faith.
The Apostle Paul was an intelligent man. He was also a man of great faith. There is no conflict.
Acts 17: 1-4. '˜Paul reasoned with them from the Scriptures. Some of the Jews were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a large number of God-fearing Greeks and not a few prominent women'
Acts 17: 10-12 'The Bereans examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. Many Jews believed, as did also a number of prominent Greek women and many Greek men.'
Acts 17:16-34 'A group of Epicurean and Stoic philosophers began to dispute with him. A few men became followers of Paul and believed. Among them was Dionysius, a member of the Areopagus, also a woman named Damaris, and a number of others.'

Without the eye of faith we will never fully fulfil the purposes of God
If we look at things simply with the natural eye then we will always fall short. Faith is a vital ingredient in not only our relationship with God but also our service.
Hebrews 11:6 'And without faith it is impossible to please God.'
Unless we are spiritually alive then we will never be people of vision.
1 Corinthians 2: 10-16 '..but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God. But we have the mind of Christ.'



The eye of faith does not see problems, only challenges
The natural eye looks only at problems. But the eye of faith sees beyond that.
2 Kings 6: 13-17 'Don't be afraid, the prophet answered. Those who are with us are more than those who are with them. And Elisha prayed, O Lord open his eyes that he may see. Then the Lord opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.'

Stewart Bloor

www.sicm.org