Ears to Hear

Have you ever had one of those days where everything seems to go wrong? Where the circumstances pile up, one after another, until you're left feeling overwhelmed, discouraged, and ready to throw in the towel? We've all been there. But what if those "worst days ever" are actually opportunities in disguise?

Let's take a journey back to 2014, to a family trip to Disney World - the happiest place on Earth. Picture excited children, magical encounters with princesses, and all the wonder that comes with such an adventure. Now fast forward to the end of the day: rain pouring down, tired feet, and the sound of a child wailing, "This is the worst day ever!"

It's a relatable scene, isn't it? In that moment, despite having experienced a day full of magic and joy, all this child could see was the discomfort of the present. The castles, exciting rides, delicious food, and special character encounters faded into the background, overshadowed by wet clothes and exhaustion.

This story serves as a metaphor for how we often approach life's challenges. When faced with difficulties, it's all too easy to lose sight of the bigger picture and declare our circumstances "the worst ever." But what if we're missing something? What if, like that child at Disney, we simply lack the eyes to see the magic and joy that surrounds us, even in trying times?

The book of Acts in the Bible provides us with a compelling example of this principle in action. In the final chapters, we encounter the apostle Paul on a journey that, by all accounts, seems like an unmitigated disaster. Let's break it down:

Paul is imprisoned and sent on a slave ship to Rome

• A violent storm strikes, battering the ship for days
• The crew loses all hope of survival
• They're forced to throw cargo and equipment overboard
• The ship runs aground and breaks apart
• Paul and the others are stranded on a remote island
• Paul is bitten by a venomous snake
• Upon finally reaching Rome, Paul is placed under house arrest

Reading this list, one might reasonably conclude that Paul was having the "worst day ever" - or more accurately, the worst series of days. Yet, astonishingly, the account ends with these words: "He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance."

Without hindrance? Really? How is that possible given everything Paul endured?

The key lies in perspective. When we look at Paul's journey through eyes of faith, a very different picture emerges:

• God was sending Paul to spread the gospel in Rome, the most influential city of that time
• Paul had the opportunity to encourage hopeless men on the ship
• An angel appeared to Paul, assuring him that all lives would be spared
• Paul's faith strengthened those around him
• The centurion favored Paul, sparing his life and the lives of other prisoners
• The broken pieces of the ship became lifesaving rafts
• Islanders welcomed them with unusual kindness
• Paul was miraculously unharmed by the snake bite
• The delay allowed Paul to share the gospel with the islanders
• In Rome, Paul was given freedom to welcome people and teach from his home

Suddenly, what looked like a series of disasters transforms into a testimony of God's provision, protection, and purpose. The "worst day ever" becomes a day of unexpected blessings and divine appointments.

This shift in perspective is exactly what Paul prays for in his letter to the Ephesians: "I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe" (Ephesians 1:18-19).

Having "eyes to see" doesn't mean denying the reality of our challenges. It means trusting that even in the midst of storms, shipwrecks, and setbacks, God is at work, writing a better story than we could ever imagine.

Consider how often we fall into the trap of only seeing what's right in front of us:

• Struggling at work
• Dealing with family dysfunction
• Feeling alone and uncared for
• Receiving bad news from the doctor
• Experiencing betrayal from a friend
• Unanswered prayers
• Life not going according to plan

When we focus solely on these circumstances, it's easy to spiral into despair, anxiety, and a perspective of unbelief. We become like that child at Disney, unable to see the magic for the rain.

But what if we approached these situations with eyes of faith? What if, like Paul, we looked for opportunities to be a voice of courage and hope in the midst of difficulty? What if we trusted that God knows what He's doing, even when we can't see the full picture?

The story of Jesus provides the ultimate example of how the "worst day ever" can give way to unimaginable joy. His crucifixion - a day of immense suffering, injustice, and apparent defeat - became the pivotal moment of salvation for all humanity. The cross, an instrument of torture, became a symbol of hope and redemption.

This is the lens through which we're invited to view our own lives. It doesn't mean minimizing our pain or pretending everything is fine when it's not. Rather, it means holding onto the truth that God is present and active, even in our darkest moments.

So the next time you're tempted to label a day as the "worst ever," pause and consider:

• What opportunities for growth or service might be hidden in this challenge?
• How might God be using this situation to strengthen your faith or the faith of others?
• What blessings or provisions can you identify, even in the midst of difficulty?
• How might this experience be part of a larger story God is writing in your life?

By cultivating eyes to see, we open ourselves to experiencing joy and wonder in unexpected places. We become better equipped to "proclaim the kingdom of God" and share the hope we have, even when circumstances are far from ideal.

Remember, the story of God's work in the world is still being written - and you're part of it. Your "worst day ever" might just be the setting for your next great adventure in faith.