In the last six weeks, I have had cataract surgery on both eyes with amazing results. I can see so clearly now, I can hardly believe it. And I am very thankful! But better eyesight is not the only thing I gained from this experience. Here is my story…
Last spring at my annual eye exam, the doctor told me that the cataract in my left eye had grown significantly and would certainly qualify for surgical intervention. He also said that my right eye wasn’t far behind. He explained that opting for the surgery was entirely up to me, but my choice would affect my getting new glasses because the surgery would change my prescription.
For the next few months, I wrestled with my decision. One day I would decide that I would be fine just getting new glasses. And the next day I would be adamant that I should have the surgery. One day I would say, “This isn’t so bad. It’s just an inconvenience.” Then the next day I would say, “This is totally interfering with my lifestyle.” Back and forth, back and forth; I waffled in my mind every day.
Then one morning, I stopped and prayed. I asked God to show me what I should do.
(Now, I had been praying about this situation all along, but I had not stopped to hear God’s answer. Perhaps you know what I mean. Sometimes we toss prayers up to God, but we don’t let go and let God answer them. We continue to try to work out our issues by ourselves. That is what I was doing, until I prayed this time.)
Later that day, my husband and I were out to dinner with some friends and an acquaintance stopped by to chat. She was in her work clothes, which just happened to be scrubs from my eye doctor’s office. (I didn’t know she worked there.) I asked for her thoughts on my dilemma. We talked, and the next day, I made an appointment with the ophthalmologist and scheduled the surgery. I was able to make that decision easily after our conversation.
Did God answer my prayer? I would say so! In addition, I re-established these verses in my mind.
Proverbs 3:5, 6 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Trying to figure out everything on our own is hard. It is time-consuming and worrisome. But asking for God’s help takes the pressure off. We may not know what to do, but God does. We may not be sure what direction to take, but God knows which way is best. We may be filled with uncertainty, but God is a solid rock.
Psalm 18:2 The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.
Isn’t it interesting how often we struggle to figure out things for ourselves before we really stop and ask God for His help? I’m not sure why we do that. Maybe it is because we feel like it’s our “grown-up” responsibility to handle things on our own; or maybe we feel like we shouldn’t bother God with our non-emergency issues. Whatever objections our silly minds have, we can be assured that God is always ready, willing and able to answer our prayers because He LOVES us. And if that isn’t motivation enough, the Bible repeatedly urges us to pray.
This does not mean that we can’t investigate our options and prepare for our needs. Praying does not mean that we don’t think for ourselves. It means that we include God’s input in our thought processes. Whether it’s by prayer or simply reading the Scriptures, God can direct our steps. He can make our paths smooth.
Psalm 16:11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
Psalm 119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
The lamp of God’s Word illuminates our steps, which helps prevent us from falling. We understand this in the physical realm. Flashlights are our friends! The Word offers the same assistance to our minds. Shining the light of God’s Word in our minds, helps us avoid the pitfalls in life that can so easily beset us.
How do you feel on a bright sunny day? How do you feel on a dark gloomy day? Think about it. Generally, beautiful sunny days uplift us, and dark gloomy days weigh us down. We can’t control the weather, but we can keep ourselves uplifted by basking in God’s wonderful light, which can override the world’s doom and gloom.
Honestly, it is illogical to not seek God’s help. Do we really think that we can do a better job in any situation than God can? Do we think that we are smarter or stronger or more resourceful than God, who created the heavens and the earth and everything in them?? Of course, we answer, “no” to those questions. But aren’t we essentially saying, “yes” when we insist on tackling our circumstances by ourselves without God’s involvement?
Prayer is not only asking God for His help. It is also praising and thanking Him. It is having a conversation with our Heavenly Father. We can have intimate talks with our all-loving, all-wise, and all-powerful Father, who only wants the absolute best for us. What a privilege! And what an opportunity! Why waste it? Why not enjoy the relationship? Let go and let God help you. Cast your cares on Him.
I would still be seeing poorly today if I had not prayed with believing and allowed God to direct my path. I would still be stewing over what choice to make and still struggling to see well enough to read. But now, not only is my eyesight much restored, but my heart is also refreshed by the goodness of God in my life. So, I that is why I can say, “seeing is believing.”*
Note to my readers: *This statement (seeing is believing) is not to be confused with the false idea that we need to see first then believe. It is simply a play on words regarding my eyesight. 😉
I am very thankful for you using your eyes to read my blog!! ♥