Lift Up Your Eyes
Victoria Osteen
Victoria Osteen’s message, “Lift Up Your Eyes,” is a powerful reminder to focus on God’s promises and not get stuck in current circumstances. She challenges us to develop a vision of faith that sees beyond temporary struggles to embrace the fullness of God’s blessings and plans.
Key Themes
1. Seeing Beyond Current Circumstances
- God’s call to Abraham:
In Genesis, when Abraham stood in the dust and dirt after separating from Lot, God told him to “lift up your eyes from where you are.”- This wasn’t just a physical act; it was a spiritual directive to focus on God’s promises rather than his immediate surroundings.
- Similarly, we must look beyond our present struggles or successes to see the greater things God has planned.
2. Choosing Faith Over Circumstances
- Abraham had a choice: focus on the barren land or believe in God’s promises.
- Like Abraham, we face moments where our circumstances seem discouraging, but it’s our decision to trust God’s Word that leads us to victory.
3. Don’t Let Events Define You
- Victoria shares the story of a man who spent his life looking down after finding a gold coin. While he did find a few coins, he missed the beauty of the world around him.
- Lesson: Don’t let a single event—whether good or bad—define your life. Keep looking up to God for greater things.
Lessons from Abraham’s Life
- The Promise of the Promised Child
- When Abraham lifted his eyes in Genesis 18:12, he saw three men sent by God.
- They came to deliver the promise of Isaac’s birth.
- Abraham’s lifted eyes symbolized his trust in God, even when the timeline didn’t make sense.
- The Sacrifice of Isaac
- In Genesis 22:13, just as Abraham was about to sacrifice Isaac, he lifted his eyes and saw a ram in the bush—a provision from God.
- This shows that lifting our eyes allows us to see God’s provision and faithfulness.
Lessons for Our Lives
- Lift Your Eyes for Vision
- Don’t let circumstances distort your vision. Whether you’re in a good place or a tough season, God has greater things ahead.
- Psalm 121:1-2: “I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”
- Lift Your Eyes for Endurance
- Jesus Himself lifted His eyes while enduring the cross. He looked beyond His pain to the joy set before Him—the salvation of humanity.
- We, too, must look beyond temporary struggles to the eternal rewards and purposes God has for us.
- Lift Your Eyes to Avoid Settling
- Abraham’s father settled in a comfortable place and didn’t move forward, but Abraham chose to keep going.
- God calls us to stretch, grow, and move into new levels of faith and purpose. Don’t settle; keep pursuing His best.
Practical Applications
- Develop a Vision of Faith
- Spend time meditating on God’s promises. Visualize the victory He has spoken over your life.
- Replace thoughts of defeat with declarations of faith:
- “God has greater things ahead for me.”
- “I will not settle; I will move forward in faith.”
- Focus on God’s Promises
- When circumstances seem overwhelming, lift your eyes and remind yourself of God’s faithfulness.
- Look back at past victories as reminders of what He can do again.
- Don’t Let Past Events Define You
- Whether it’s a failure, a loss, or even a success, don’t let it anchor you. Keep looking up to God for the next step.
Declarations of Faith
- “I will lift my eyes beyond my circumstances to see God’s promises.”
- “I will not settle; I will walk by faith and trust in God’s plan.”
- “God’s provision and blessings are waiting for me as I look to Him.”
Closing Encouragement
Lift your eyes today and every day. Whether you’re in a season of waiting, a time of abundance, or facing challenges, remember that God’s promises are greater than your circumstances. As you lift your eyes to Him, you will see His provision, His guidance, and His blessings unfold in ways you could never imagine.
God is calling you to higher places—look up, trust Him, and step into the fullness of His plan. Amen.
