I Didn’t See That Coming

5th grade recess.
For some reason he didn’t like me much…correction… not at all. Why? Maybe because I was skinny and tried to be nice…something he wasn’t. Suddenly I felt my feet go out from under me. A simple push was all it took. Not because I was skinny, but because his buddy was kneeling behind me, creating the perfect scenario to have me on the ground.
He gained the advantage quickly. Other kids began to gather to watch the wrestling match that took place on the dusty playground that day. I achieved the upper hand in defending myself somehow by rolling on top of him… but not for long. Fortunately I was saved by the bell.

Blindsided…what just happened?

I was bit older this time (early twenties), when a similar occurrence took place. I was dating this pretty young lady, who to this day continues to be a pretty young lady and someone I still take on dates. A simple push was all it took. Suddenly I felt my feet go out from under me. I wasn’t as skinny, as I should of had the upper hand in size this go round.

My logical reasoning of how this happened brought me to the combined conclusion that I was in the snow, on unlevel ground, by an unexpected attack from this female. Somehow I was dumbfounded on the ground. My logic was not agreed upon. Her deep convicted explanation centered on the fact she had two older brothers whom she could hold her on against, along with her half Indian blood war cry that took me down. At least I could literally say that I was falling head over heels in love with my future wife.

Blindsided again…the side away from which one is looking.
I didn’t see that coming.

Two separate incidents shared a common outcome. How often in our lives are we blindsided? Often I’m sure. It’s just a part of life, right?

Being blindsided means we are not looking in a particular direction. But we can’t have eyes in the back of our heads can we? I sure could of used them that day on the playground.

You know, God never has any unexpected happenings. He’s never been blindsided. God is always looking in all directions…seeing everything…everyone.

The Lord is watching everywhere,
keeping his eye on both the evil and the good.
Proverbs 15:3

We can’t be like that can we?

But if He continues to call us closer to Him and He desires that we become more like Him, how does our vision improve to see what is happening all around us?

Maybe we could improve our sight by trying to see things more clearly from His perspective. If being blindsided is a side that has us not looking, perhaps we need to try to see things more from the side we have not been looking from.

That’s what Jesus did. He didn’t have any problems of seeing things from only one side because He saw everyone’s point of view. He did not have to agree with each view, but He knew them all. Jesus was able to accept everyone as they were, which created unity. Just look at how many different personalities, variety of past histories , and views his disciples had.

If being blindsided is a side that has us not looking, perhaps we need to try to see things more from the side we have not been looking from.

For there is no partiality with God.
Romans 2:11

Opening his mouth, Peter said:
I most certainly understand now
that God is not one to show partiality. Acts 10:34

If it’s impossible for us to see everything physically, perhaps we can work on seeing more spiritually. Instead of seeing only our perspective, our views, and taking our stand, is it possible for us to improve our ability to see God’s perspective, God’s views, and taking His stand? Are we not blindsiding ourselves if we are not?

“Wisdom is looking at life from God’s point of view.” Adrian Rogers

A key in seeing God’s view is realizing that it does not always match up with our view. We may think that it does and often times we express that it is, but we need to be very careful in how we present that view. In reality, it very well could not match up to His Word. We need to do our research by digging into His Word and seeking the Holy Spirit for clear instructions.

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may know what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:2

I wish to not be blindsided with what is happening around me Lord. I wish to not be so determine to judge another person for their sin and forget about my own. I choose to no longer look upon others in a manner that makes me ever think I’m better than they are. Help me to choose the view that will be good and acceptable and perfect in Your sight.

Thank you God that You see everyone. Thank you that You see me. You have never been blindsided and You never will.

Photos by Create228studio