“With spiritual eyes of faith, focus on God’s unseen work.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – August 18, 2025
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:18
Maybe you’ve experienced this too; I have. My heart and mind focus on a desire or opportunity, but as life unfolds and circumstances shift, my expectations often go unmet or are delayed. Looking back, better opportunities tend to arise, or I am protected from making poor decisions or pursuing ideas that need more time to grow. Wisdom in being Spirit-sighted requires patience.
A friend recently shared his experience of learning to be Spirit-sighted, not short-sighted. “I desperately wanted a promotion to department manager, convinced it was the perfect next step for my career. When they passed me over for someone with less experience, I felt betrayed and overlooked. Six months later, that department underwent massive layoffs due to budget cuts, and the new manager was demoted. Meanwhile, I was assigned to a project team that led me to discover my passion for training and development. What felt like rejection actually guided me toward my true calling and protected me from a dead-end position during a turbulent reorganization.” What short disappointment are you experiencing that may involve a better long-term opportunity? As Paul reminds us, with spiritual eyes of faith, focus on God’s unseen work.
In Paul’s letter to the Corinthian church, he encourages them amid intense persecution and suffering. He has just described being “hard pressed,” “perplexed,” “persecuted,” and “struck down” for the gospel. The believers faced immediate, visible hardships that could easily overwhelm them. Paul contrasts their temporary, physical struggles with eternal, spiritual realities. He teaches them to maintain perspective during trials by focusing on unseen truths—God’s presence, eternal rewards, and spiritual transformation—rather than being consumed by current circumstances that, though difficult, are fleeting compared to eternal glory. The Apostle’s heart for his friends is for Spirit-led sight to replace short-sightedness. Patience waits on God.
Cultivate Spirit-sightedness through daily Scripture meditation, focusing on God’s promises rather than immediate circumstances. Practice gratitude journaling to recognize God’s faithfulness over time. Regularly fellowship with mature believers who model an eternal perspective. When facing trials, ask “How might God use this?” instead of “Why is this happening?” Set aside time for prayer and fasting to strengthen spiritual vision. Read biographies of faithful saints who endured hardship. Remember that present struggles are temporary, but character development and spiritual growth have eternal value.
When illness clouds your vision, remember God sees your complete healing story, not just today’s pain. In broken relationships, trust the Lord who specializes in restoration and redemption. Financial struggles feel overwhelming, but God has never failed to provide for His children’s true needs. These temporary trials are developing eternal treasures – deeper faith, refined character, and increased compassion. Your current chapter isn’t your final story. Fix your eyes on the faithful God who works all things for good. Spiritual vision clarifies over time. Spirit-sightedness is your gift of grace to experience the Lord’s best for you in His timing.
Prayer
Holy Spirit, open my eyes to see beyond the temporary. Help me live Spirit-sighted, focused on eternal truth, not fleeting worries. Guide my thoughts and choices to honor You each day, in Jesus’ name, amen.
Application
What area of your life needs you to have a spiritual perspective in place of short-term worry?
Related Reading
Proverbs 29:18; Romans 8:5-6; Colossians 3:2; Hebrews 11:1
Worship Resource
Brandon Lake/CeCe Winans: I Know a Name
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