Seeing What Others Miss

The purposes in the human mind are like deep water, but the intelligent [man] will draw them out.
Proverbs 20:5 NRS

     Being made in God's likeness gives us amazing potential. But sometimes it takes "a man of understanding" to recognize it and "draw it out."

     Too many of us are gifted at seeing the obvious. We're quick to label people as arrogant, quick-tempered, or weak. But a person with spiritual insight sees beyond that to the hopes and fears behind their behavior.

     The people who knew Simon knew his tendency to shoot from the hip and be impulsive. But Jesus saw something else. That's why He renamed him Peter, meaning a rock or pillar suitable for a foundation. Can you imagine the look on the disciples' faces when Jesus said, "You are Peter...upon this rock I will build My church, and...hell will not conquer it"
(Matthew 16:18 NLT)?
But Peter did become a pillar, a respected leader and founder of the church. And all because of Jesus' ability and willingness to look beyond his surface-level qualities to what was inside.

     Today we need more:
Parents who'll pray for their children, look beyond their flaws and "draw out" their uniqueness;
Spouses who'll search for the hidden treasure in their mate;
Business leaders who'll treat workers with respect and match their Talents with their responsibilities;
Christians who'll forgive the immature stumbling of young believers and work to develop them;
Witnesses who see the lost through the eyes of Jesus and recognize what His transforming power can do.
So, ask God today for eyes to see what others miss.