Faithful guide

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In the movie Scent of a Woman, Al Pacino plays lieutenant-colonel Frank Slade, a blind man, who, wearied with his lot in life, decides to have a final fling before committing suicide. He hires a college student, Charlie Simms, to take him to New York for a weekend to relive highlights of his life.

At one point, Simms unwisely takes hold of Slade’s arm in an effort to assist him across the street.
Slade shakes him loose and screams in disgust, “Are you blind? Are YOU blind?” He informs Simms that it is the blind person who takes the arm of the one leading, not vice versa.

This fact gave me insight into our relationship with the Holy Spirit as our guide. The Bible tells us we are blinded by sin (2 Corinthians 4:4) but the Holy Spirit convicts of the sin of unbelief (John 16:8). We are told that our sight, at best, is blurred, seeing as through a glass darkly (1 Corinthians 13:12). We cannot live a spiritual life without guidance from God; however, as we take hold of the Spirit’s arm, and step forward at his urging, we do so without fear.

I was losing my sight when I watched this movie and feared the onset of blindness. The trauma of being cast into visual darkness was overwhelming until I submitted to God my dependence on him for my future. Once I found my rest in him, I was compelled to write the following poem.

Faithful Guide

Holy Spirit come to me
One sent from Heaven above.
And as we walk, talk to me
Of my Saviour’s love.
Though my path I do not know
It matters not to me.
Enemies on every hand
I know my Guide can see.
Come to my side and help me
There’s much for me to do.
A simple serving vessel,
For God’s use, filled by you.
Though my eyes but dimly see
I see your greater light.
You give strength and victory
’Ere grief makes dark the night.
As promised by the Saviour
Stay ever by my side.
It is a blessed assurance
You are my faithful Guide.

 

Isabelle Lee is a member of Northview Community Church, Abbotsford, B.C.

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