What if the Sky was Purple?
My middle son is not black and white colorblind, but he can’t tell the difference between blues and purples. His brothers love to point out when he’s colored a purple sky or when his clothes don’t match. The funny thing is, he’s the artist of the family. He’s shown the gift of being artistically inclined since kindergarten, and it has only improved with age. Now he’s moved on to creating animated characters through software programs like Blender. He’ll sit for hours, drawing elaborate landscapes and detailed creatures where the leaves ruffle in the breeze or fur ripples down the animal’s back.
It’s as if he can see things in layers – the bones or basic structure overlaid with curves and lines, followed by the intricate details that give a drawing life, and lastly, shading and touches of light. He may not be able to tell the color blue from purple, but he has a unique ability to see shapes, shadows, and details in a way other people do not.
God wants us to see differently.
Romans 12:2 says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will.”
After leading the Israelites out of Egypt and up to Canaan, Moses sent out twelve men to collect intel on the city’s people, crops, and fortifications. The men went out and came back, stating that it, indeed, was the promised land, flowing with milk and honey. They also brought back a cluster of grapes, so huge two men had to carry it on a stick between them.
They also reported back of the great city’s thick walls, mighty fortifications, and powerful giants. Yes, giants. The men shook in their sandals as they relayed how the Israelites appeared like grasshoppers to the Canaan giants. Only Joshua and Caleb silenced the men and said, “We should go and take possession of the land.” However, it was too late. Fear had already begun to spread like a contagious disease throughout the Israel camp. Because of their doubts and fears, the Israelites wandered in the desert for forty years, and only Caleb and Joshua ever stepped foot in the promised land.
Joshua and Caleb witnessed the same land as ten other explorers, but whereas the men saw giants, Caleb and Joshua saw victory. Whereas the other explorers took into account their human abilities, Caleb and Joshua considered God’s capabilities.
The world may tell us we’re small, incapable, or colorblind, but God says, look out and see victory.
Don't miss a post! Sign up for my weekly blog by clicking here: Lorri's blog.