more than meets the eye

Isaiah 42:20 - He sees many things, but does not observe them; his ears are open, but he does not hear.

Those who can only “see”, only find what it is they are in search of. Those who grow to “observe”, have learned through humility born of suffering, what was brought to them to understand. Openness is only the first part of a two-part equation, both of which are equally dependant upon grace. The second part, actually “hearing” (understanding) only occurs when you first are brought to the point that you truly have no idea what it is that you are looking for, or actually need.

This is often times the where the crucible of given trial finds us, with us, rarely understanding that through it, the humility and tenderness to the spirit that is required for observation, is cultivated.

Isaiah 42:25- it set him on fire all around, but he did not understand; it burned him up, but he did not take it to heart.

When all my eyes and heart have time for seeing is pleasure and comfort, and this is what we undoubtedly look for most days, (and subconsciously believe is God’s will for our lives), then it is probably safe to say that my “observation and hearing” are self-realized rather than spirit led. This should cause us to take a serious halt and ask to be led by the spirit consider what parts of my life (maybe all of it?), are living under this delusion.

Observing and truly hearing are products of revelation not self-motivation. That means truly hearing starts with asking questions and waiting for answers rather than “hunting” for truth you could no sooner find on your own than you could speed up going through puberty.

Isaiah 42:16 -And I will lead the blind
, in a way that they do not know, 
in paths that they have not known
, I will guide them. 
I will turn the darkness before them into light,
 the rough places into level ground.
 These are the things I do, and I do not forsake them.