“IWas Once Blind” (c) By Charles Stambaugh The first blind person I met was 40 years old. He and his wife went to our church. He knew everyone by their voices. I was amazed at the number of things he could do. He even ran the sound in church. Then 10 years ago, I learned that the first braille trail in our state had been located a few miles from me. However, it had closed 20 years earlier. Being a local historian, I traced down the creator of the trail. He made it for his Eagle Scout project. He was completely blind since his elementary school years, but did not let this slow him down. He attended a normal high school like other students, andwent to college and then seminary. He was a pastor for over 25 years. I recently heard from a blind lady who was using a computer to listen to my devotions. She was able to respond by email. In my last communication from her, she told me about two blind people who married each other after being friends for 12 years. She said their wedding was beautiful, and at their reception, they even danced with each other. She asked for prayer for them as they started this new and challenging life together. I cannot imagine being in total darkness 24 / 7, and not knowing what my wife, children, and the world look like. How could I get things I need, go to places, and provide for my family? How could I find the food on my plate, or find the restroom in public? I always stumble and run into things, even in daylight. If I were blind, I would not be able to look for my many misplaced items, so they would remain lost forever. I would find life very hard, if I were blind. But I was once blind. That is right - but Christ healed me - and now, I see. I am not talking about physical sight, but rather, spiritual sight. On that day, I repented, confessed, and surrendered my life to Jesus. I then clearly saw why I was created, what I was to do, and where I was going. I could directly speak to God, and He would answer my prayers. I could read His Word, and I would understand it. I no longer stumble aimlessly in the darkness of life. The word “blind” appears 87 times in the King James version of the Bible. “And his disciples asked him, saying, ‘Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?’ Jesus answered, ‘Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.’” John 9:2,3, KJV Wow, physical blindness is so that the works of God should be made manifest. Born-again people will be the most joyful, when they will be able to see the glories of heaven. However, for those who are not born again, their first sight will be of Hell. My friend, if you are walking aimlessly in life with no hope, no joy, no peace and no direction, then turn to Jesus. “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27, KJV