by Kala Loptien

Things Not Seen

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“For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.”
1 Corinthians 13:12 King James Version

We woke up the other morning to a misty layer of dense fog. I walked out, feet bare, coffee in hand. The hush of the prairie and the dewy air created a tranquil, unexpected setting. I blinked and squinted a few times to see how far my eyes would take me. The trees in the foreground were clear and defined. But my visibility was limited up ahead. The figure of a tree appeared. Not in full detail; just enough to know it was there.

We often find ourselves with a similar view of God, our faith and our future. Though we’ve been told, and have clearly-defined Words from our Lord and Savior, our visibility is limited. Our understanding only goes so far. But where our limited knowledge ends; it’s there that faith begins.

“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”
Hebrews 11:1 English Standard Version

I love the use of the word assurance here. This verse tells us that our faith not only affirms our hope, but guarantees it. Faith is a promise; and we know that God always makes good on His promises.

I don’t often read The Message; but every so often, I enjoy comparing translations. This one in particular felt fitting:

“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 Cor. 13:12 The Message

God, you see us so clearly. You knew our worst, yet you gave us Your best. We won’t fully grasp it until that final layer of fog lifts and we see you face to face. Keep our eyes fixed on you always. Amen.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado