John 9:25 He replied, “Whether he is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!”

Just yesterday I wrote about “a man with an experience is never at the mercy of someone with a theory.” This is a perfect example of that! The Pharisees could talk themselves blue in the face, but they couldn’t change the fact that this man who had been born blind could now see. Interestingly, such things don’t change the validity of the English saying, “My mind is made up; don’t confuse me with the facts.” Human beings have an immense capacity for self deception. We change our world views very slowly, if at all, which is why the environment in which we are raised is of such vital importance. There are multiple sayings to that effect in just about every language, such as, “The child is father of the man.” Sometimes God has to do something really dramatic to break people free from such embedded thought patterns. When it is sad is when people refuse to see God’s truth even when He gives such opportunities. Yesterday’s earthquake and tsunami across such a wide area of Japan is a good example. If people will cry out to God because of it, it will turn out to have been a great mercy. However, if they remain mired in materialism, then it will remain merely a tragedy.

I keep coming back to the incredible blessing of having been raised in a family with a genuinely Biblical world view. However, that doesn’t mean I’ve been all that quick to learn the things God has taught me! I need to be available to God for Him to use me to bring people to experience Him in various ways. I need to help them recognize God’s hand in their lives, instead of dismissing events as chance. I am not to focus on trying to convince people by logical argument, though I do need to be prepared to give a clear explanation of the Gospel at all times, but rather pray for the Holy Spirit to open people’s eyes to the truth. I am to rest assured in what has been shown me, and communicate it in love, gentleness, and power to all who will receive, for their salvation and the glory of God.

Father, I do pray for the nation of Japan. Yesterday was genuinely devastating, and today will be one of trying to grasp the extent of that devastation. I pray that many would cry out to You, whether they have known You before or not, and discover that You are real indeed. I pray for the Christians of Japan, that they would both reach out in love and be fearless in expressing the hope of salvation to all who are impacted. Even far from the physical devastation, people will be anxious and examining the purpose of life. May Your children not hesitate to speak Your life to all who will hear, for a mighty harvest in Your kingdom, for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!