Nearly five years ago, my family embarked on a journey of faith with dreams of planting a church. We planned to work with a ministry called Apartment Life, serving as missionaries in an apartment complex while preparing for the church God was calling us to start. After months of preparation, doors unexpectedly closed—not once, but twice. While disappointing at the time, these events became a pivotal test of faith.
God wasn’t asking us to wait; He was asking us to act. It wasn’t about the logistics of our plans—it was about our willingness to trust Him completely. This journey revealed a powerful truth: sometimes, God exposes our blind spots, those unseen areas of our hearts that aren’t fully surrendered to Him.
Defining a Blind Spot
A blind spot in faith is an unknown area of our lives that has not yet been surrendered to God. It’s an aspect of ourselves we may not even realize is holding us back. These blind spots can surface through Scripture, prayer, or life experiences. The question is: will we recognize them and invite God to address them?
The Story of the Rich Young Ruler
In Mark 10:17–22, we meet the rich young ruler, a man seemingly perfect in faith. He approached Jesus with an important question: “What must I do to inherit eternal life?”
At first glance, his intentions seem pure. He’s kept the commandments and lived a moral life. But Jesus saw beyond his behavior and into his heart, exposing a blind spot—the man’s attachment to his wealth.
When Jesus told him, “Go, sell all you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me,” the man walked away grieving. His possessions weren’t just things; they had taken a place in his heart that belonged to God.
This story illustrates a profound truth: blind spots often reveal what truly holds our hearts.
How Blind Spots Impact Our Faith
Blind spots prevent us from fully following Jesus. Like the rich young ruler, we might outwardly appear to have it all together while inwardly holding something back. These hidden areas might include:
Material possessions: Are you overly attached to wealth or status?
Unhealthy habits: Is there a behavior or coping mechanism you’ve refused to surrender?
Unaddressed sin: Are there actions or attitudes you’ve avoided confronting?
When God reveals these blind spots, we face a choice: surrender them to Him or hold on and miss the fullness of life He offers.
Jesus’ Loving Response to Our Blind Spots
It’s important to note that Jesus exposed the rich young ruler’s blind spot out of love. Mark 10:21 says, “Looking at him, Jesus loved him.” Jesus’ goal wasn’t to condemn but to bring freedom.
God’s call to address our blind spots is an invitation to healing and transformation. It’s not about striving to be perfect; it’s about letting Him work in us to become more like Him.
Surrender Brings Freedom
Addressing blind spots can feel like spiritual surgery. Psalm 139:23–24 captures this heart posture:
“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the everlasting way.”
This prayer invites God to reveal our blind spots and transform our hearts. While the process may be uncomfortable, it ultimately leads to freedom and growth.
What Will You Do When God Reveals Your Blind Spots?
The rich young ruler chose to walk away. But you don’t have to. When God points out a blind spot in your life, lean in. Surrender that area to Him, trusting His grace to guide you through the process.
Blind spots aren’t revealed to shame us—they’re opportunities for deeper connection with God. Take time today to ask Him, “Lord, what am I holding back from you?” Then, surrender it and experience the freedom He offers.
