Laced With Grace – Christian Devotions

THE PRESSURE FOR PERFECT VISION

By Laurie August 31, 2011 Guest Devotion

Today we welcome DAWN from http://www.everydayordinarydawnings.blogspot.com to LACED WITH GRACE! Dawn is new to our team of writers and we will be hearing more from her in the upcoming months. Please take time today to welcome her to the team and go check out her personal blog.

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Mom was on her way to the surgical center because sometimes check-ups turn out to be bad news. She had too much pressure behind her optic nerve, and that much pressure damages said nerve until, over time, the world narrows and is finally black. She’s already lost a lot of vision, and protecting what she has left is the doctor’s chief aim. Her specialist has already taken great measures in this regard because advanced though the medical community may be, to date they haven’t figured out how to reverse nerve damage. The goal is to stop her
glaucoma from wreaking any more havoc on her vision.

She has an implant in each eye, a tiny tube that siphons fluid from the back of the eye to the sides in order to relieve the pressure, creating a healthier environment for her fragile optic nerve. The implant somehow got
detached in one eye, necessitating emergency surgery. She blames herself because she’s not supposed to rub her eyes, but let’s face it, who can resist? So she rubs — infrequently and ever so gently, and I don’t begrudge her
that. But no one knows how the tube became detached, and we never will. So I do begrudge her the self-blame.

We like to do that to ourselves though, don’t we: put ourselves under pressure and get on our own nerves.  We are experts at adding to life’s pressures with our self-blame, guilt and condemnation. There is such thing as a
healthy amount of pressure, but when we add to it excessively (and sinfully), the extra pressure can narrow our view of the world and threaten darkness.

Shouldn’t we behave more like the siphon that relieves undue pressure and promotes health and vitality?   Wouldn’t you like a view to the world that was broad and colorful and captured every panoramic detail in
perfect light?

The implanted Holy Spirit can siphon off safely into our blind sides the blame, guilt, and condemnation we pressure ourselves with. Why not let the Great Physician do his surgery and help you see.  The
unobstructed view is a beautiful sight. Not to mention how good it feels when nothing’s on your nerves and knowing you’re more pleasing in His sight.

“Wake up, and strengthen the things that remain, which were about to die; for I have not found your deeds completed in the sight of My God” (Revelation 3:2).

 Heavenly Father, help us to walk in the power of your Spirit with a clear view of who we are in you and what mighty deeds you can perform through us if we will but let you.  Help us to cast off the self-inflicted things that entangle us and set our eyes on Jesus, the one who can make the blind see.

9 thoughts on “THE PRESSURE FOR PERFECT VISION”

  4. Susan Panzica

    Hi Dawn,
    What a great illustration. You’re a wonderfully gifted writer. Looking forward to joining you here on Laced With Grace, even if a little intimidated ;D

    Blessings,
    Susan

  5. Iris

    Thank you for the encouraging words, Dawn. Yes, I do often get on my own nerves. I need to remember to be more gentle on myself.

    Welcome to the LWG team, Dawn. Looking forward reading more of your encouraging words.

  6. Melanie Shull

    Hi Dawn,
    I’ve always known that you are an incredible communicator through your writing. Your gift helps others to see truth clearly. I’m so excited about you joining the “Laced with Grace” writing team. Thank you for sharing what God reveals to you to encourage others.

    Your Friend and Encourager,
    Melanie

  7. tinuviel

    Hello, Dawn-
    Definitely I do put undue pressure on myself. This is an encouraging post. May God protect the rest of your mom’s vision. God bless you in this new writing ministry venue!

  8. Susan McCurdy

    “We put ourselves under pressure and get on our own nerves.” Hmmm. I’ve been doing this my whole life! Thanks for the smile it gave me to realize I need to let the Holy Spirit siphon off the pressure and get God’s perspective on life.