Open Eyes

Bjarni Herjólfsson sailed throughout the known world, including frequent voyages to Greenland, the faraway island where many Norwegians (including his parents) had settled.

During one voyage (around 986 AD), his ship was blown off course. They became completely lost. As the winds calmed down, Herjólfsson was able to see land but did not recognize any features. His crew begged him to go ashore to learn more about this new world. But Herjólfsson just wanted to go home. Lacking initiative, he lost this opportunity for a place in history.

Without knowing it, he and his crew had crossed the Atlantic and discovered the North American continent, becoming the first Europeans to see the New World. He could have been the first to set foot on this land. But, as the Norse sagas commented, Herjólfsson “lacked curiosity.” He just headed back out to sea.

Years afterward, he told this story to a friend, who decided to retrace the course. That friend was Leif Erikson, who did have boldness. Willing to step out into the unknown, Erikson became the first to discover the land Herjólfsson just saw.

History is full of people like Herjólfsson who have opportunities but were afraid to step out in faith. How about you? Are you afraid or bold? What opportunities has God brought into your life? Ask Him to open your eyes to see the world as He sees it. Be ready to step out in faith.