If you are anything like me, you have areas in your life that are not working as well as you’d like, and that are holding you back. To help me, the Lord said: “What do you see when you look back on the previous year?” Answering this question helped me see my life from His perspective. While meditating on this question, one thing He told me was to “get it done!”
As I pondered this, I realized what the Lord wanted me to see. In the past I often worked so hard getting things just right that I took much too long to finish. Practically, for example, this led to me taking too long to update our Kingdom Partners website or completing my blog posts. I simply wasn’t getting it done.
Today I share some of what I learned that has helped me to “get it done” (His words to me are in blue).
Seeing with fresh eyes
“Learn how to see with fresh eyes. Use all you have learned, but apply this knowledge in fresh ways.
This concept–seeing with fresh eyes–applies to life and ministry. Lay aside all plans, old ways, and see with open eyes how I NOW want you to live, work and minister. Don’t be tied to the old ways–this is your old wineskin. Rather, see how to approach every situation in your life with new, fresh eyes. This is the new wineskin I am filling with new wine.
Become comfortable in what I give you to do, and do it with My fresh anointing.”
This is a dynamic, yet challenging way to live. It means being continuously dependent on the Lord for direction and anointing to accomplish what He sets before us. How do I practically do this?
Start by seeing yourself with fresh eyes
“See who you are, your gifts, your talents, as I have made you. Don’t try to be what others have framed and planned, but be true to your own abilities.
Seeing life with fresh eyes, means seeing yourself first with fresh eyes. See the areas that can be changed or laid aside, but also see the areas where you excel and can be strengthened.
Walk in who you are, content in who you are. Don’t walk in what you think you’re supposed to be. This is a time for being who you are.
Who you are is beautiful–see and enjoy it! For this is how I made you and how I am blessing you. Be yourself, and have no regrets, no desires to be anything else.
For who you are is My joy, My creation, My son! Seek to be like Me expressed through your true nature. You are special to Me and I love you.”
By seeing with fresh eyes, the Lord showed me personal patterns of weakness and strength.
In particular, now that I am aware of how working so hard for perfection was hindering me, I have started to set goals and complete tasks more quickly. I began this year by finishing our ministry website update (see kingdompartners.org) and I am now committed to publishing a blog post each week. I also learned more about my strengths and how to apply them from His perspective. One area I am now spending more time in is personal coaching, an area where my strengths really benefit others. My challenge is to believe this, and act like I believe it!
I encourage you to take the time to see your life with fresh eyes. See yourself as the Lord sees you. I would love to hear your comments and experiences as you learn how to see yourself as God sees you.
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This is what I needed to hear TODAY. Speaking of old wineskins, that is exactly how I feel. Looking far into the past of how I was a new wineskin and all was good, then I get worn out and instead of seeing my self through God’s eyes, or my new eyes, I shrink back to the comfortable feeling of my old wineskin, which really isn’t comfortable as it is familiar. Thank you for posting.
Thanks Sean for you candid comments. I am glad to see that these posts are helping.
Wow, so amazing, and simple. Why do we always look at life through our own eyes and thoughts? This is so helpful! Thank you!
Hello Michael,my dear brother in Christ,
Thank you very much for your diligent commitment to God and His work. I especially like your recent posting of How God Sees! It is very refreshing, uplifting and freeing, worth re-reading many times!!