Blind Spots: Adjusting to Life’s Changes and Embracing God’s Guidance

Scripture: Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight."

When you get in your car, one of the first things you probably do before pulling off is sit down, buckle up, check to make sure you’re not leaving without anything you need, and check your mirrors. Basically, you want to make sure you’re good-to-go! From time to time, my hubby takes my car, and he has his settings, and I have mine. It’s a simple push of the button to adjust the seats and side mirrors back into a comfortable position for each of our preferences. The steering wheel and rearview mirror, however, do not adjust on their own (maybe I should upgrade—lol, just kidding). But even with the settings programmed, I still have to move the mirrors around a bit to make sure I can see my blind spots. Sometimes it depends on my posture, what kind of shoes I’m wearing that day, or even if I want to sit lower or raise up; nonetheless, I have to make some adjustments. Every adjustment is different.

Much like in life, we shouldn’t depend on the programmed settings. The events in our lives require multiple adjustments, to say the least.

In recent times, I have become more aware of my blind spots, and I’d like to share how God has been teaching me to make some necessary adjustments.

1. After losing much of everything I owned in the fire, I have become more cognizant of the “material things” I once valued and held important.
Before the fire, I attached so much worth to possessions—clothes, gadgets, and other material things. I thought these items defined my success, happiness, and identity. However, when those things were gone, I quickly realized that none of them could truly fulfill me. This loss helped me adjust my perspective, shifting my focus to what truly matters—God’s love, family, and the priceless gifts that can’t be bought. Now, I’m more intentional about not allowing material possessions to hold power over me. Instead, I seek to store treasures in heaven, where they are everlasting.

2. The relationships I once had have also undergone changes, and this has taught me about the importance of healthy connections.
Like adjusting mirrors, relationships often require fine-tuning. Some relationships, I’ve found, were not as healthy or fulfilling as I had once believed. These relationships might have even distracted me from God’s calling in my life. But God, in His mercy, has shown me the need to make adjustments. I’ve learned to focus on relationships that uplift and support me, ones that align with His purpose for my life. I’ve also become more discerning about where I invest my time and energy, allowing God to guide me toward people who bring joy, encouragement, and accountability.

Reflection:
Take a moment today to reflect on your own life. What areas are you relying on your “programmed settings” instead of making the necessary adjustments that God is calling you to make? Are there material things or relationships that need to be re-evaluated? What “blind spots” might you need to address, and how can you seek God’s guidance for those adjustments?

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your grace and guidance in helping me navigate the changes in my life. I confess that sometimes I rely too much on my own understanding and comfort. Help me to trust You more deeply and to make the necessary adjustments in my life, especially when it comes to my priorities, relationships, and values. Open my eyes to see where I need to realign my focus on You. Thank You for Your faithfulness and for making my path straight. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Challenge:
This week, take a moment to evaluate the areas in your life that may need adjustment. Ask God to reveal any “blind spots” that you need to address. Whether it’s adjusting your priorities, relationships, or outlook on material things, take steps to align your life with His will. Share this process with someone you trust, and encourage them to reflect on how they can adjust their life to be more in tune with God’s perfect plan.