20/20 vision

This weekend I feel like I have learned a couple of new concepts.

1. I don't always have to know God's future plans for me.
    In Numbers 13 &14, the story is told of the 12 spies who went to spy on Canaan. The only reason God told them to go in the first place was because they had thought it to be the right thing. God had already promised to give them this land, ergo the name "Promised Land". However, they took the duty upon themselves to check to make sure the plan would be in their favor. When they looked to see what they would be up against, they trembled in their sandals and ran back to camp. They knew their strength was not enough to overpower the giants in the way of the land that was to be theirs. The one secret weapon they had forgot about, God, was the only way they could be successful, yet only with their consent could the power harnessed. They started whining and complaining of what the future could potentially, not necessarily what it did hold. They had given up the fight before the enemy even knew there was the possibility of one. God ended up not allowing anyone over the age of 20 to enter into the land after the years of wandering. He decided that if those people were not willing to trust Him about the plan, He would find others to fill the position. I know that God has plans for me. Now, whether or not I know these plans seems to be irrelevant. What is of utmost importance is that I trust God to get me through the plan even if it seems monstrous and totally undoable. God has perfect timing; He is never too early or too late.

2. Romans 12:2 says, "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is -- his good, pleasing and perfect will."

    Mirror neurons are quite fascinating. Studies were done that monitored the brain activity of primates while they ripped a piece of paper. There was a certain path that the impulse would travel every time the paper was ripped. Next, the primate was able to watch a paper being ripped. The impulse followed the same path. Finally, the primate was blindfolded, but was able to hear the paper being ripped. This also stimulated the same neuron to fire. Changing this a little to apply to humans; we may not be doing the action, but seeing it stimulates our neurons to fire and give us the sensation. So, whether that is a good or bad action, our brain automatically responds to the stimulus. A big problem is that most people have the wrong pair of glasses on. We see the world through our "worldly sunglasses" when we should have on glasses that help us to focus. If we make God our focal point, our mirror neurons will be reflecting something worth reflecting. Perhaps, it would be best if we would all get our eyes checked so we can see the truth behind the facade. Maybe then, our focus would become a bit clearer on what matters most.

3. Apparently, God has it all under control; no need for me to worry about what He has under control.