As I was reading in Luke 19, I came across the story of Zacchaeus. Most of us know the story. Zacchaeus wanted to see Jesus, but there was a problem. The Bible tells us that he was a short man, and because of the crowd, he could not see over the people around him.
So what did he do?
He ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree so that he could see Jesus.
As I read that passage, I couldn’t help but think about how often this happens in our own lives. Sometimes there are things standing between us and a clear view of Jesus. Sometimes it is stress. Sometimes it is busyness. Sometimes it is fear, disappointment, distractions, or simply the demands of everyday life.
The reality is that when we stay down in the middle of it all, it can be difficult to see what God is doing.
Zacchaeus recognized that if he wanted a better view, he needed to get higher.
That reminded me of our recent trip to Hawaii. We hiked the Diamond Head Crater Trail on Oahu, starting at the base of the crater and making our way to the top. The climb was not easy. There were steep sections, uneven ground, narrow pathways, tunnels, and what felt like countless stairs. At times, all you could see was the next step in front of you.
But as we climbed higher, something changed.
The higher we went, the more clearly we could see. What was hidden at the bottom became visible from above. The view at the top was absolutely breathtaking. We could see the ocean, the coastline, and so much more than we ever could from where we started.
Life can be like that.
When we are stuck in the middle of our circumstances, it can be hard to understand what God is doing. We may not see how things could possibly work out. We may not see the purpose behind the struggle.
Yet Romans 8:28 reminds us that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.
The challenge is that we do not always see that when we are standing at ground level.
Sometimes we need to climb higher.
For me, one of the ways I do that is by protecting my time with the Lord each morning. Before I start my workout, before I eat breakfast, before I dive into my to do list, I grab my coffee and spend time with God. I read His Word. I pray for my family and friends. I talk to Him about the day ahead and the things weighing on my heart.
That time helps lift my perspective above the noise of everyday life. It helps me see things through His eyes instead of my own.
What about you?
What might you need to climb above in order to see Jesus more clearly?
Maybe it is worry.
Maybe it is distraction.
Maybe it is a packed schedule that leaves little room for God.
Whatever it is, be encouraged today. Like Zacchaeus, make the choice to get higher. Position yourself where you can see Jesus clearly. The view is always better from above.
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Jasmine Lozano 