Monday, July 8, 2024

Our Vision of Hope

 


We don't yet see things clearly.  We're squinting in a fog, peering through a mist.  But it won't be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright!  We'll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us! ~1 Corinthians 13:12 (MSG)

Have you ever experienced fogged windows where you live?  Here in Georgia, we don't just entertain hot summer temperatures, but our humidity can also increase exponentially, making outdoor events unpleasant and downright impossible for many of us to enjoy.  I know my Florida friends can identify with that!

This fog phenomena occurs when the outside glass of a window matches or goes below the dew point temperature of the air.  As a result, the air cannot hold any more water in gas form; it must turn into liquid.  (Thank you, Danny, for explaining this in terms even I can understand!)

So yes, it is July in Kennesaw, and with the blessing of recent rain, we've awakened to misty window panes for two mornings in a row.  Will it happen again tomorrow?  Only if the air continues to be humid, which could most likely be the case.

Clouded windows obscure our usually clear view of the outdoors.  It reminds me of the steam which used to form on a bathroom mirror from a hot shower when the bather forgot to run the exhaust fan.  You certainly cannot see your own reflection unless the moisture is wiped off the glass and allowed time to dry.

In this life, as the apostle Paul states in 1 Corinthians 13:12, we cannot possibly see the entirety of our existence the way that God can and does.  Nothing can obstruct His always clear vision!  But even through the mist, we can know that God is leading us forward, and closer to Him, with every faltering step we take by faith.  We can rest assured that when we leave this darkened world, the clouds will lift, and we will see the Son shining brightly forever and ever.

May we resolve to fully live each precious day God gives us here on earth, and show others, by our actions in love, how He will help them see clearly one day, too.

He is our vision of hope!

Amen!

50 comments:

  1. Dearest Martha Jane,
    Guess we will see some more days of fogged windows as the weather is not changing anytime soon—more thunderstorms in the making.
    But it is a good comparison to life in Faith!
    Knowing that God is always there—even if we can't see him.
    Trusting God that he will always guide us and in that Hope we can travel on.
    Our final reward will be great and it is the only journey that is important in our lives.
    Hugs,
    Mariette

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    1. It is the most important journey we make in this life, Mariette, I totally agree. We may not see Him, but God is there, ready to steer and guide us on the right paths when we ask. Let's cling to the faithful hand of Jesus.
      Love and blessings!

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  2. A good lesson here. Indeed, God can see through our fog of sins and forgives when we ask Him.

    God bless.

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    1. God does see through our fog of sins, Victor, and I'm so glad that He is quick to forgive when we confess and ask for His mercy on us.
      Love and blessings!

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  3. Amen!! Thank you, Martha, for always pointing us to God!! Sending love and hugs and wishes for a blessed day ahead!

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    1. Thanks so much for your kind words here today, Terri. I pray that everyone who visits here will have a joyful day and week ahead, too.
      Love and blessings!

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  4. What a wonderful picture you have painted for us Martha! Everything seems to foggy to our eyes, especially as we look around and see the mess we are in. But some day! Some day we will see it all so clearly. Yep, I agree. That is my hope for sure.

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    1. Thanks so much for your thoughtful words here, Bill! We are in a mess, for sure, and we can't seem to break through the fog on our own. We need the Lord more than ever in our lives.
      Love and blessings!

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  5. Here in St. Louis, we're geographically surrounded by three rivers -- the Mississippi, the Missouri, and the (much smaller) Meramec. Humidity fogs our windows, too, but nothing like the dense fog I experienced growing up in New Orleans, the epicenter of global humidity.

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    1. Situated as you are, Glynn, humidity is just a given, isn't it? I can't imagine what New Orleans is like in the summer as I've never been there, but I certainly can picture how swampy that environment would feel. Thanking the good Lord for a/c!
      Love and blessings!

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  6. God sees us everyday no matter how foggy it is. Even though we can't see him, our faith will guide us through the fog.

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    1. Indeed, He is the God who sees and guides us when we hold onto Him in faith, Bill.
      Love and blessings!

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  7. Yes, my lens are clouded--most of the time! Thankful for a God who sees!

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    1. Amen, Loralu! He sees us no matter how cloudy our own vision might be.
      Love and blessings!

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  8. That's such a wonderful analogy of one of many God's lessons for us. We don't see everything. Not yet. HE does. "Only trust Him now ..." as the hymn goes. Whatever's happening here it's only temporary, just hang on, the mist will clear. Eternity with Him will be perfect. Let's try to keep getting the Gospel (message) out to all who will listen because this place is temporary.
    Foggy windows make me happy because that means rain is possible. That's almost always a good thing for us in Southeast Georgia. Plus our land is one of the (try not to laugh) "highest" places in Pierce County. We're high and dry. Not good for crops but does dandy for piney woods.
    Keep looking up dear Sister in Christ! The Rapture must be close! 💙💙

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    1. I am familiar with those piney woods that dominate that area of south Georgia, Sparky, as we've driven through the same stuff on our way to the coast. High and dry is an apt description! And lots of logging going on, am I right?
      Yes, we have to trust in the Lord in all things, knowing that He will lift all clouds of doubt and delusion this world tries to throw at us. We, and our nation, are completely in His hands.
      Love and blessings!

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  9. What a splendid analogy! Just last week our own front windows began to fog up, and with it, my inexplicable anxiety. (Is there a crack somewhere? ... $ signs marching in my brain.)
    What you describe (I think) is similar to the relief I feel when my plane emerges from a storm cloud into an oasis of golden light. Only better!
    Hugs, Myra

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    1. I hear you loud and clear, Myra! I used to think the fogged windows meant leaking of air, but Danny has made our house so energy tight and efficient, I knew my preconceived notions simply weren't real. So glad I took the time to ask him.
      And God will certainly take the time to answer our prayers and guide us on the right paths for His sake whether we can see a hand in front of our face or not.
      Love and blessings!

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  10. Thank you so much Martha for your always wise words. Maybe you could put all your posts into a book?

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    1. You are too kind, Regina! I have published a series of books, and you can check the right side of my blog to bring them up. We haven't updated the page in a while, but the info about ordering them should still be correct.
      Love and blessings!

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    1. And again, I say amen, Christine.
      Love and blessings!

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  12. Praise God for our vision of hope in glorious things to come--even if the view is a little foggy for now! One day we shall see HIM as he is--and be LIKE him (1 John 3:2)!!

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    1. Praise God, indeed, Nancy! No matter how obscured our earthly view might be, we can trust in Him to help us see clearly in the end.
      Love and blessings!

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  13. Yes, the foggy windows are a common experience here in summer time. Thankfully it usually dries off by mid morning so we can see more clearly, but it does depend on the level of humidity and heat, which is always considerable here in the summer time. And yes, I am thankful to know that God can see my way clearly even when I can't. He sees the yesterday, now, and forever, and keeps it all in proper perspective. I'm so glad He's in control, because in my cloudy visual state of life, I sometimes get a bit lost and confused. "My Lord knows the way through the wilderness...all I have to do is follow!" (That's an old song we used to sing in Sunday School! Thank you for this wonderful analogy today. Hope you and Danny are doing well and keeping cool!

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    1. Thanks so much, Pamela, for your kind words and shared experience here (yes, we're hanging in there). I figured that, living in Florida, you would be more than familiar with this phenomena and experience it frequently, especially in the summer. Like you, I'm so grateful that God can be our clear-eyed vision for us when the fog rolls into our lives. He is our rock and our shield forever.
      Love and blessings!

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  14. Yesterday, my glasses fogged up big time as I got out of the air conditioned car into the heavy humid outdoor air. The picture you've painted and the truth you have spoken are powerful and true, friend. Thank you. And stay cool!

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    1. Oh, yes, those steamed up glasses are a problem I've experienced before, too, Linda - even sunglasses! Thanks for stopping by and penning your encouraging words.
      Love and blessings!

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  15. Bom dia, Martha
    Glória a Deus por essa mensagem tão edificante, o Senhor continue te usando, Jesus é a nossa esperança, um forte abraço.

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    1. Thanks so much, Lucinalva, for your kind words and encouragement here.
      Love and blessings!

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  16. We seem to have those foggy windows when the humidity and the wet weather come together and cause a lot of muscles and bones "talking to us". We are faced with the remnants of Hurricane Beryl at the moment. Peace and blessings to you and yours.

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    1. Beryl certainly packed a punch, Cecelia, and is still making its effects known, that's for sure. The humidity can be a detriment to those with joint pain, too. Stay well!
      Love and blessings!

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  17. good lesson and analogy, Martha! There is a beauty and peace about fog too.

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    1. Thanks for your encouraging words, Jean. I recall foggy days from summers spent at my grandparents who lived close to the beach. Haunting and mystical to see, but I wouldn't have wanted to drive through it! Glad God takes the wheel. :)
      Love and blessings!

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  18. Don't know about foggy windows but we do have foggy mornings when you can barely see your hand in front of your face but all is good once the fog clears.

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    1. I love what you said here, Jo-Anne, that all is good once the fog clears. Yes, it is! And only God can remove those earthly scales from our eyes.
      Love and blessings!

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  19. I love this message, Martha. It's such a great spiritual analogy to how windows become misty and foggy in the summer (yes, thanks, Danny). I'm so thankful our heavenly Father always has a clear vision of what's going on in the world and our lives. God bless! Karen Friday

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    1. Thanks so much, Karen, for your complimentary words here about the analogy. That means so much to me! And with you, I'm grateful beyond words that our Father has the vision and foresight to know what we need to guide us on the right paths for His sake and glory. May we always serve Him.
      Love and blessings!

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  20. A beautiful analogy. It has been in the high 90's and occasional 100's in my area. (The feels like has been in the 100's often) Rain has been sparce to nonexistant. I have had to water my garden every second or third day to keep the plants going just as we need the living water of our Lord to keep going.

    Hugs and Blessings

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    1. Oh, yes, Jim, we need the Living Water of Jesus just as our plants need frequent watering in times of drought. May we trust in our loving Father to provide all of our needs and those of His creation always.
      Love and blessings!

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  21. It so happens, that sometimes we can't see through fog and heavy rain falling. We can, however, trust God to guide us and protect us - and that's a great relief!

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    1. Yes, Duta, that's a huge relief for all of us, and one I'm ever grateful for.
      Love and blessings!

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    2. What a beautiful analogy, Martha!
      The comparison between foggy windows and our limited vision of God's plan is both poignant and reassuring.
      Thank you for sharing this uplifting reflection and for your prayers. I hope my inconsiderate neighbours will move out soon. I am near breaking point.

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    3. I'm so sorry that you're having to go through such a trying time with your neighbors, Veronica. Yes, I will continue to pray for you, and I do so appreciate your kind comment regarding this post.
      Love and blessings!

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  22. Love, love, love the analogy!!! Happy week to you. Hugs and blessings, Cindy

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    1. May you have an awesome week, too, Cindy. So glad you enjoyed the analogy.
      Love and blessings!

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  23. Such a wonderful thought, dear Martha. God bless you!

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