Restoring Vision: Embracing Clarity in Spiritual Growth

Devotional

Day 1: Moving from Blurry Faith to Clear Vision

Jesus invites us to move from a blurry, unfocused faith to a vibrant, clear vision of who He is and who we are in Him. Like the blind man in Mark 8, we may find ourselves seeing only in part—settling for “tree sight” instead of true sight—when God desires to bring us into full clarity. This journey often begins when we step away from our routines and distractions, allowing Jesus to gently lead us out of our comfort zones so He can restore our spiritual sight. As we enter a new season, we are called not to settle for a faith that is out of focus, but to seek a fresh touch from God that brings everything back into perspective. [01:26]

Mark 8:22-26 (ESV)
And they came to Bethsaida. And some people brought to him a blind man and begged him to touch him. And he took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village, and when he had spit on his eyes and laid his hands on him, he asked him, “Do you see anything?” And he looked up and said, “I see people, but they look like trees, walking.” Then Jesus laid his hands on his eyes again; and he opened his eyes, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. And he sent him to his home, saying, “Do not even enter the village.”

Reflection: Where in your life have you been settling for “blurry faith” or partial vision, and what would it look like to ask Jesus for a fresh touch of clarity today?

Day 2: Stepping Outside the Comfortable for New Perspective

God often meets us outside of our comfort zones, leading us away from the familiar so we can gain a new perspective and deeper intimacy with Him. Just as Jesus led the blind man outside the village before healing him, we too may need to step away from the noise, labels, and routines that have defined us. In these unfamiliar places—whether it’s a new job, a changed relationship, or a season of transition—God reveals more of Himself and helps us see our purpose and identity with greater clarity. Sometimes, it’s only when we leave what’s comfortable that we realize how much clarity we’ve lost and how much more God wants to show us. [06:02]

Genesis 12:1 (ESV)
Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you.”

Reflection: What is one area of comfort or routine that God might be inviting you to step away from this week so you can hear His voice and see His purpose for you more clearly?

Day 3: Embracing the Process of Spiritual Formation

Spiritual clarity and maturity often come through a process, not a single moment, as Jesus demonstrates by healing the blind man in stages. Sometimes God’s work in our lives is gradual, teaching us to trust Him in the process and to be faithful with small steps of obedience before greater things are revealed. This journey shapes our character, deepens our trust, and prepares us for what God has ahead. Rather than becoming discouraged when transformation isn’t instant, we are invited to embrace the process, knowing that God is forming us for His purposes and that every step with Him matters. [11:56]

Isaiah 35:5 (ESV)
Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped.

Reflection: In what area of your life is God inviting you to trust Him with the process rather than demanding instant results, and how can you take one faithful step forward today?

Day 4: What You Fix Your Eyes On Shapes You

The health of our spiritual vision determines the health of our whole lives; what we focus on shapes our attitudes, choices, and spiritual well-being. Jesus teaches that the eye is the lamp of the body, and if our eyes are healthy—fixed on Him and His truth—our whole being is filled with light. But if our vision is clouded by negativity, comparison, cynicism, or lust, our lives become foggy and directionless. Regular time in God’s Word, worship, and prayer is like wiping our spiritual lenses, helping us see clearly and walk in the light of Christ. [19:17]

Matthew 6:22-23 (ESV)
“The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!”

Reflection: What is one practical way you can intentionally “wipe your lenses” this week—through Scripture, worship, or prayer—to keep your spiritual vision clear and focused on Jesus?

Day 5: Praying for New Lenses and Greater Clarity

God desires to give us new spiritual lenses—fresh vision and understanding for the season ahead—so we can see ourselves, others, and His purposes with clarity and hope. It’s easy to hold onto old ways of seeing, old labels, or past experiences, but Jesus invites us to pray, “Open the eyes of my heart, Lord,” and to receive the newness He has for us. As we step into this new chapter, we are called to be unashamed, to embrace our identity in Christ, and to expect God to do more than we can ask or imagine, both in our lives and in our church. [26:23]

Ephesians 1:18 (ESV)
Having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints.

Reflection: What “old lenses” or ways of seeing do you need to lay down, and how can you pray for God to open the eyes of your heart to His new vision for you this season?

Sermon Summary

Life often pulls us out of our rhythms and routines, leaving us feeling out of focus and spiritually blurry. In these moments, God gently calls us back—not to what we do, but to who we are in Him. Sometimes, it takes a disruption, a change of pace or place, to help us see with fresh eyes. Just as Jesus led the blind man outside the village before healing him, God often meets us outside our comfort zones, away from the noise and labels, to restore our vision and renew our sense of purpose.

The story in Mark 8 of the blind man who moves from no sight, to tree sight, to true sight, is a living parable for our spiritual journey. Many of us settle for partial vision—seeing shapes but not the full picture, getting by but not thriving. We may be wearing “old lenses,” viewing our lives through outdated perspectives that no longer fit the season we’re in. God invites us to let Him touch our eyes again, to bring clarity where there’s been blur, and to give us a new prescription for the days ahead.

This process is often gradual. Jesus could have healed the man instantly, but He chose to do it in stages, teaching us about trust, formation, and the value of process. Sometimes, God doesn’t clear the fog all at once; instead, He asks us to take the next step in faith, trusting that His Word will be a lamp to our feet even when we can’t see the whole path. Naming our frustrations, obstacles, and gaps before Him is a practical way to invite His presence into our everyday lives.

What we fix our eyes on shapes us deeply. If our vision is clouded by negativity, comparison, or cynicism, our spirits become heavy and our hope dries up. But when we regularly come to Jesus—through prayer, worship, and time in the Word—He wipes our lenses clean, restoring clarity and focus. He doesn’t see us with blurry vision; He knows us fully, loves us completely, and calls us to step into the new things He has prepared for us. In this new season, let’s ask Him to open the eyes of our hearts, to see ourselves, others, and His purposes with true sight.

Key Takeaways

1. God Often Meets Us Outside Our Comfort Zones Spiritual clarity often comes when we step away from the familiar and allow God to lead us into new spaces. Just as Jesus took the blind man outside the village, God uses changes in our environment or routine to help us see what we’ve been missing. These moments of discomfort are invitations to intimacy and revelation, where God gently restores our focus and reminds us of our true identity in Him. [06:02]
2. Beware of Settling for “Tree Sight” Partial vision—seeing but not clearly—can convince us that “good enough” is all God has for us. We may become content with past breakthroughs or minimal clarity, but God desires to move us from blurry faith to bright, vibrant vision. Settling for less keeps us from experiencing the fullness of His promises and the miracles He wants to do in and through us. [15:57]
3. Spiritual Growth Is a Process, Not Just a Moment The healing of the blind man was not instantaneous; it unfolded in stages, teaching us that God values the journey of formation. He is interested in developing our character, trust, and faithfulness in the small things before entrusting us with more. Embracing the process, even when it feels slow or incomplete, is essential for maturing in Christ and receiving all He has for us. [11:56]
4. What We Fix Our Eyes On Shapes Our Lives The health of our spiritual vision determines the health of our whole being. Fixing our eyes on negativity, comparison, or cynicism clouds our hearts and drains our hope, while focusing on Jesus brings light, clarity, and renewed purpose. Regular practices of prayer, worship, and time in the Word are like wiping our spiritual lenses, allowing us to see God, ourselves, and others as He intends. [20:15]
5. God Invites Us to Name Our Fog and Step Forward in Faith When life feels foggy—full of frustration, obstacles, or gaps—God doesn’t expect us to force clarity but to bring our honest struggles to Him. Naming our fog in prayer, taking small steps of obedience, and intentionally making space for God’s presence are practical ways to move from blur to focus. Jesus is always ready to touch us again, offering new vision and fresh hope for the season ahead.

** [19:17]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:26] - When God Interrupts Our Routine
[02:53] - Settling for Blurry Faith
[06:02] - God Meets Us Outside Our Comfort Zone
[06:50] - Gaining Perspective Away from the Noise
[07:23] - Adjusting to New Seasons
[08:16] - Old Lenses and Outdated Perspectives
[11:56] - The Miracle in Process
[15:57] - The Danger of “Tree Sight”
[18:23] - Navigating Spiritual Fog
[19:17] - Naming Your Fog and Taking Steps
[20:15] - What Shapes Our Vision
[24:38] - Letting Go of the Old
[25:24] - Embracing New Lenses
[26:23] - Stepping into Clarity and Purpose

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Mark 8:22-26 (ESV) — 22 And they came to Bethsaida. And some people brought to him a blind man and begged him to touch him.
23 And he took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village, and when he had spit on his eyes and laid his hands on him, he asked him, “Do you see anything?”
24 And he looked up and said, “I see people, but they look like trees, walking.”
25 Then Jesus laid his hands on his eyes again; and he opened his eyes, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly.
26 And he sent him to his home, saying, “Do not even enter the village.”

Observation Questions

In Mark 8:22-26, what are the different stages of the blind man’s healing, and how does Jesus interact with him at each stage?
According to the sermon, why did Jesus lead the blind man outside the village before healing him? [[06:02]]
What does the man mean when he says, “I see people, but they look like trees, walking”? How does this relate to the idea of “tree sight” mentioned in the sermon? [[15:57]]
What instructions does Jesus give the man after he is healed, and why might this be significant?

Interpretation Questions

The sermon describes the healing as a “miracle in process” rather than an instant event. What might this teach us about how God works in our lives and spiritual growth? [[11:56]]
Why do you think God sometimes meets us “outside our comfort zones” or familiar routines, as with the blind man being led out of the village? [[06:02]]
The preacher talks about “old lenses” and “tree sight.” What are some ways people might settle for partial vision or outdated perspectives in their spiritual lives? [[08:16]]
How does what we “fix our eyes on” shape our spiritual health and outlook, according to both the passage and the sermon? [[20:15]]

Application Questions

The sermon challenges us not to settle for “tree sight”—partial vision or “good enough” faith. Are there areas in your life where you’ve been content with just getting by spiritually? What would it look like to ask Jesus for a fresh touch or new clarity in those areas? [[15:57]]
Think about a time when God disrupted your routine or led you into an unfamiliar situation. How did that experience help you see yourself, others, or God differently? Is there a current area where you sense God calling you out of your comfort zone? [[06:02]]
The preacher suggests naming your “fog”—your frustrations, obstacles, or gaps—before God as a way to invite His presence. What is one area of “fog” in your life right now, and how can you bring it honestly to God this week? [[19:17]]
The sermon mentions that “old lenses” can keep us from seeing what God is doing now. Are there any old habits, perspectives, or labels you’re holding onto that might be clouding your vision? What is one step you could take to let go of them? [[08:16]]
What are some practical ways you can “wipe your spiritual lenses” this week—through prayer, worship, or time in the Word? Is there a specific time or place you can set aside to intentionally seek God’s clarity? [[20:15]]
The preacher says, “What we fix our eyes on shapes us deeply.” Are there things (negativity, comparison, cynicism, etc.) that you’ve been focusing on that are draining your hope or joy? What would it look like to shift your focus to Jesus in those moments? [[20:15]]
The story ends with Jesus sending the man home with new vision. How might God be calling you to step into a new season or purpose with the clarity He’s giving you? What is one practical step you can take this week to walk in that new vision? [[26:23]]

Sermon Clips

If you're anything like me, you find yourself actually very wrapped up in what you do for work. And having had a good break over the summer, what I found was the Lord wanted to just kind of course correct me a couple of times. That evening was one of those main moments where as I went into that study and I sat down at the Word, the Bible opened up a passage in Mark 8 and talked about how a blind man went from tree sight to true sight. And I felt God saying to me, James, you know, you've been believing blurry. Believing blurry. You're out of focus. You've put such an emphasis, James, on what you do rather than whose you are. Learn just to be with me. [00:00:58] (48 seconds) #BelievingBeyondWork

Often we need to get away from the normal to retreat and to breathe with him intimately. To be with him in that space. And you begin to see things that you didn't see before. Things come back into focus again. Things move from blurry to bright again. [00:06:50] (22 seconds) #RetreatToSeeClearly

What does one step forward with you in obedience look like today? If you're anything like me and you like to plan, if you don't plan you probably won't do it. If that is you maybe screenshot that just to remember that I told you. [00:11:56] (16 seconds) #FaceToFaceHealing

But you can't receive this type of miracle, this type of healing, without letting him get right in your face, face to face. It's a picture of what happens when God puts his spirit on you, when he puts his very nature, his life, his identity, presses down on you, the places that you need restoring and healed. [00:12:43] (26 seconds) #FaithInFormation

Because this is not going to sustain us. It's the everyday. And what forms in front of us really matters. In Matthew 6, 22, 23, it says, the eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. Now, what you fix your eyes on will shape you, right? Negativity. What happens? Your spirit gets heavy. Comparison. Your joy will get stolen. Cynicism. Your hope dries up. Lust. Your purity begins to get clouded. And if your eyes are cloudy, life starts to feel cloudy. [00:19:29] (46 seconds) #WipingLensesDaily

You can't see in front of you and often I've found it's not dramatic, it's not like a dramatic I've had enough God, I'm done, I'm done, I'm walking away, it's little moments of lack of obedience, it's little moments of not spending time with him. [00:20:15] (21 seconds) #GraceWithTruth

Peter had the title right but the vision wrong and as Mark puts these stories side by side to show us you know exactly who Jesus is yet still not fully seeing what he's doing and we can be the same right? We can see grace without truth, we can see I want to love that person but I'm going to really struggle to forgive that person, oh I can see a big old speck in that person's eye over there, forget about the plank in our own. Tree sight will make you settle, tree sight will keep you following even when it's hard, even when it costs. True sight is what we need and the good news is that Jesus vision is never blurry. [00:23:30] (48 seconds) #OpenTheEyesOfYourHeart

But I believe Jesus is wanting to say in this next season, it's time to wear some new lenses, church. I think these represent way more than we know. [00:25:39] (44 seconds)

I believe he wants to open the eyes of your heart this morning to his grace, to the fact that he came to die for you, that he loves you, that this life is not the end, this is just the beginning. In fact, it's the reality for us is that we get to not just look forward to heaven but to pray for that heaven to come to earth and to see miracles in this place. We live with faith. [00:27:39] (27 seconds)

Ask a question about this sermon

Chatbot

What does it mean to see clearly spiritually?

How can changing environments restore spiritual focus?

What is the significance of Jesus touching eyes gradually?