9/5/2015 Devotions — Proverbs 31 Ministries Devotions

http://proverbs31.org/devotions/devo/page/1707/ 1/2

Kelli Regan October 28, 2008

A View Through Sarah Palin’s Eyeglasses

“Jesus said to him, ‘Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.’” Luke 18:42 (NIV)

In the midst of the media storm surrounding the upcoming elections, there’s one news item you mayhave missed. An economic crisis is upon us—and Sarah Palin is at the center of it. What’s the cause of thiscrisis I’m talking about? Her glasses.

In less than one month’s time Sarah has become a household name. Everyone has an opinion about her.But whether you’re Republican, Democrat or Independent, there’s one issue regarding the vicepresidential nominee on which the majority agrees. We love her glasses! I suppose not since Ben Franklininvented bifocals have spectacles captured our fancies so.

Women (and even men) are flocking to their opticians in search of Governor Palin’s Kawasaki 704 seriesdesigner specs. In less than two weeks, the Japanese company that manufactures the $375 framesreceived 9,000 global orders. That’s more than they normally produce in a year! I’m no economic analystbut there’s no way supply can meet that demand.

According to Governor Palin’s optician, she selected her now-famous frames from hundreds of choices.I’ve worn glasses almost my entire life and know what a difficult decision this is! After much searching sheselected just the right pair for her—and the rest, as they say, is history.

I imagine many of those buying frames like Mrs. Palin’s will later regret their purchase. Something abouttheir new glasses will look “off.” Maybe the frames won’t flatter their face shape, match their personality,or complement their coloring or hairstyle. Why? Because eyeglasses simply aren’t an off-the-shelfpurchase. One size does not fit all.

Sometimes we do this with our faith. We see movers and shakers in our church, in our favorite ministry, orin our Bible study who appear to have it all going on. They glow under the spotlight, and we think theymust know or have something we don’t because…well…just look at them. So we not only admire theirgodly ways, we try to emulate them as well—we try to “wear” their faith. We might try to copy how theypray, or worship, or talk, or sing, or have devotions, and so on. But when we do, something doesn’t fitquite right.

That’s because nothing is more one-of-a-kind than our walk with the Lord. While we can learn from ourChristian brothers and sisters, we can’t order up elements of their walk to accessorize our own. To do sois to lose sight of what God wants from us more than anything: our individual devotion focused on Him.He wants us to love Him with a sincere faith that’s custom-made with our own unique personality,passion, experiences and gifts.

Have you been borrowing someone else’s faith? Do you want to be custom-fit with a prescription of yourown? Go to Jesus, the One who gives sight to the blind. And when He asks, “What do you want me to dofor you?” respond, “Lord, I want to see.” (Luke 18:41)

As popular as they are today, Sarah Palin’s glasses will become yesterday’s news. While much of ourattention is fixed on who will lead our country come January, we must remember politicians come andgo. But there is one leader who has, does and will stand the test of time: Jesus. As we set our sights onthe future, let’s never forget on whom we need to fix our gaze. And let’s offer Him our one-of-a-kind

9/5/2015 Devotions — Proverbs 31 Ministries Devotions

http://proverbs31.org/devotions/devo/page/1707/ 2/2

devotion.

Dear Lord, I give you my heart. Open my eyes so I may see and help me stay focused on You as the rulerof my life and the hope of my eternal future. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Related Resources:Do You Know Him?

At the Feet of Ordinary Women by Angie Conrad, et al

The Air I Breathe: Worship as a Way of Life by Louie Giglio

Application Steps:During the remaining days leading up to the presidential election, become an educated voter, butmaintain an eternal perspective.

Reflections:Have you been striving to mimic aspects of someone else’s walk instead of developing your very own?

Are you caught up in the popularity of your faith more than the sincerity of it?

Power Verses:Ephesians 2:18-19, “Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’speople and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, withChrist Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.” (NIV)

Categories: Spiritual Growth