The Gift of Opened Eyes

Inspired by My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers

"To open their eyes…that they may receive…" — Acts 26:18

Oswald Chambers captures a vital truth in this passage: the heart of the Christian life is not merely in seeing but in receiving. Many may have their eyes opened to the reality of God, yet remain distant because they have not truly received the gift of salvation. The first work of grace is not about our efforts but about accepting what has already been freely given—the remission of sins through Jesus Christ.

Consider a barren field. A farmer may clear the land and prepare the soil, but if no seed is planted, no harvest will come. In the same way, recognizing our need for God without receiving His gift is like preparing soil but never sowing seeds. It is in receiving Christ’s forgiveness and life that the true growth begins.

But God’s work doesn’t stop at forgiveness. The second great work of grace is sanctification—a deliberate yielding of our lives to Christ. This is where we move beyond ourselves, becoming fully aligned with God’s purpose and His love for others. Just as a river flows freely when it surrenders to its course, our lives overflow with God’s grace when we yield entirely to His will.

Reflection:
Have you simply had your eyes opened, or have you fully received the gift God offers in Christ? Are you holding any part of yourself back from God’s sanctifying work in your life?

Prayer:
Father, thank You for the gift of forgiveness and the new life You offer through Jesus Christ. I rejoice that You have fully provided all I need in Him. I choose today to receive Your grace and to surrender every part of my life to Your purposes. Let me not only see but fully partake in all You have given. May my life flow freely in step with Your will, bearing fruit for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Final Thought:
Receiving is not about striving—it is about resting in the abundance of what God has already accomplished. Let us walk today in the fullness of that gift.