A builder and an architect — that’s who God is (Hebrews 11:10). He builds mountains and valleys all around. Both bring needed sight. And when someone strides into a “Valley of Vision” that God has created (Isaiah 22:1, 5), he will see the LORD as He really is and thus see himself, his work and the world as he ought.

The process is challenging (Isaiah 22:11), but oh so beneficial. Once experienced, building well, going far, and avoiding ruin becomes possible! The presence of Light provides the vision (John 8:12).

The Bible is full of stories of such men who got to the Valley of Vision. Abraham got to the Valley, walking by faith not by sight. God met him there and birthed a new nation and endless, universal blessing through him (Genesis 12 and Hebrews 11 bookend the amazing story). Countless folks have followed with visits to the Valley.

Fast forwarded, we even see Denzel Washington vividly journeying also, battling to faithfully see beyond sight throughout the movie “The Book of Eli.”

Let us venture to the Valley of Vision too. God will meet us there. There, faith becomes sight.

Our Lord will help us see where we are loving things and using Him and others instead of loving Him and others and using things. He will fix our sight, feed us truth, fuel our faith, and grant us courage and confidence to press on. The Valley builds sight, not just the mountain.

So let’s trust and follow the builder and architect of life and lover of our souls. Let’s get to the Valley of Vision and see for ourselves. There’s no better view.

Reflect: How’s your vision? Looking for sight in a valley you’re in? Seeing yourself — your life, identity, purpose and mission well? Seeing God and others as you ought? Inviting others to the Valley too?

A prayer to consider: LORD, take me to your Valley of Vision. That’s where sight grows deep and growth happens. Climbing mountains doesn’t give me all I need to see.

Help me to see beyond sight. Grant me all You want me to see today. Use Your Word and Your Spirit, even others and circumstances, to accomplish this. Turn my eyes from worthless things and the blindness that anxiety and worry too often bring. Fix my eyes on You. Be Thou my vision. Amen.

“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:18

“For we live by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7