Not long ago, I watched the movie ‘Sight’ about a young girl who lost her vision. She had to navigate life with no ability to see her world. I somewhat cursorily thought about the challenges that one would face with being blind, having your world upended, and about what I would do if I lost my vision. How would I handle the loss? These were good questions, but there was no real danger of it happening to me.

Fast forward just a few months and I faced the thing I thought would never happen to me; I was suddenly losing the vision in my left eye and the reality was crazy and traumatic. I began to project about what would happen If I lost the vision in my right eye too, resulting in total blindness. How would I accomplish the simple undertakings I take for granted? The possibilities took a very real toll on me. The enemy started depositing thoughts about being worthless and having to depend on others for the rest of my life. How would I have an impact or still fulfill any purpose in my life? Life would be merely an existence. I’d need assistance for the rest of my life. There’d be no path forward to fulfill God’s intended purpose for my life.

. . .So I thought, and Satan hoped for.

I went to the ophthalmologist and eye surgery was quickly scheduled. Would it work? Would I still be blind in my left eye and maybe lose sight in my right eye as well? I was anxious and scared. I decided I needed to dive into the Word to be reminded to have faith, and that God is still in the miracle business. In the movie “Sight” God used a doctor to produce a miracle in the life of the young girl. Her sight was restored through the miracle of medicine. I was now believing in the same, by faith. My surgery was successful, and it was, indeed, a miracle, ‘I once was blind but now I see!’ Did I need to go through this trial to recapture my sense of purpose and re- prioritize what’s important in life? Perhaps. I will take this win – and allow the experience to remind me once more to look to the Lord for everything I need in this life.

For those of you reading this article today, maybe you still have the ability to see with your eyes, but have lost your vision to reach the world and to impact culture? The Bible says that “without vision the people perish.” I encourage you today to hold onto God’s promises. You have inestimable value. Even through your trials and tribulations, God has a purpose, a calling for you. Consider it pure joy when you face trials. God is at work in your life as he was in mine and in the girl in the movie, ‘Sight.’

Dave Almgren – The Movie Guy and Co Host of Two Pastors, Popcorn and a Movie Podcast.