PASTOR’S CORNER, Phillip Dow, New Beginnings Church, Liberal
“For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.”
—1 Corinthians 13:12 (NIV)
There are moments in life that leave us squinting for clarity—grief that won’t explain itself, prayers that seem to hang unanswered, or seasons that feel like shadows without a sun. If you've ever said, "I just don't understand what God is doing," you're in good company. The apostle Paul didn’t always understand either.
In 1 Corinthians 13:12, Paul uses the imagery of a mirror to describe the spiritual life on this side of eternity. And remember, in Paul’s day, mirrors were made of polished bronze—not the crystal-clear glass we’re used to today. The reflection was always a little blurry, a little distorted. That’s what life is like right now. Even the most faithful among us don’t see the full picture yet.
We pray, we believe, we trust—but we also wrestle. We know God is good, but we don’t always understand His methods. We know He’s present, but sometimes He feels far. Paul doesn't rebuke us for that. Instead, he reminds us: “Then we shall see face to face.” One day, the fog will lift. The reflection will give way to reality. And we will behold Christ—not through sermons, songs, or symbols—but face to face, as clearly as we see the people sitting across our dinner tables.
Even more beautiful is the second half of the verse: “Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” Did you catch that? Paul says we will fully know—even as God fully knows us now. Every mystery will make sense. Every heartache will have a name. Every tear will be understood, not just wiped away. And perhaps most amazing of all—we will not be strangers in God’s presence. We will be at home, fully known and still fully loved.
Until that day, how do we live? We live with trust. We live with humility. And we live with hope. You and I don’t need all the answers to live faithfully. What we need is a steady grip on the hand of the One who sees the full picture already.
If you’re struggling in a season of uncertainty, I encourage you to do two things this week:
Write down the questions you’re carrying. Be honest. God can handle your confusion. Name the things that don’t make sense yet.
Pray this simple prayer each morning:
“Lord, I don’t see clearly today, but I trust You do. Help me walk with love, with faith, and with hope until the day I see You face to face.”
You’re not alone in the fog. You’re not lost in the dark. You are seen, known, and loved by the God who will one day make all things clear. Let’s be a people in this city who live not just with certainty—but with deep, abiding trust. Because even when we see dimly, we know the One who knows fully.
If you need ideas or desire prayer, members of the Liberal Ministerial Alliance stand ready to offer hope and resources to you. If you find yourself in spiritual need and without a home church, I would love for you to come with me to New Beginnings Church.
