"Spiritual" Eyes

Human beings are given five senses to experience their environment. The five senses are sight, smell, touch, hearing, and taste. To lose any one of these five senses can result in decreased pleasure and a diminished quality of life. It is through our senses that we connect to the natural world. A few weeks ago, I was reading in the Old Testament about an individual who through his sense of sight received a glimpse into another dimension--the spiritual world. In 2 Kings 6:8-17, we read about an incident in which the king of Aram was at war with Israel. Elisha, the prophet was given wisdom and discernment through the Holy Spirit to anticipate the king of Aram's plan to defeat Israel. Subsequently, Elisha was able to warn the king of Israel about the plan. The king of Aram became enraged and sent an army to find Elisha, capture him, and bring him to the king. The next morning Elisha's servant upon awakening looked out and saw the city surrounded by the king of Aram's army. His reaction was one of panic as he could not see any way of escape and he informed Elisha of the dilemma. Elisha responded, "Don't be afraid,..."Those who are with us are more than those who are with them." (2 Kings 6:16 NIV) Elisha then prayed to the Lord to open the servant's eyes that he may see a different reality. "Then the Lord opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha." (2 Kings 6:17b NIV) 

Our God Is With Us

We are often like Elisha's servant. When we are experiencing challenges and feeling overwhelmed, we can often adopt an attitude of hopelessness and helplessness. We cannot see beyond the circumstances that lay in front of us. It's in those moments that we need to remember that the armies of heaven are surrounding us. God may not open our eyes to see chariots of fire like Elisha's servant. Nonetheless, when we seek God with all our heart we can at times experience His presence in unique ways. Our God is with us just as He was with the Israelites when they came to the Red Sea with the Egyptians in pursuit. (Exodus 14:14) Moses also reminded the Israelites how God went before them and fought their enemies as they moved through the wilderness towards the Promised Land. (Deuteronomy 1:30-31) David in Psalm 35:1 exhorts the Lord, "Contend, Lord, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me." (NIV) 

Our God Fights For Us

The same God who fought for His people, Israel, fights for us. In fact, Paul in Ephesians encourages us to "be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power." (Ephesians 6:10 NIV) Paul goes on point to the foundation of our strength in the Lord by putting on the full armor of God. (Ephesians 6:11-17) So no matter what challenges you may face, know that you are surrounded by the armies of the Living God. He is our Defender and Protector. Paul declares,"If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31 NIV) Don't limit your vision to what you see in the "natural" but rather ask the Lord to open the "spiritual "eyes of your heart that you may see Him more clearly at work in your life.
Praise the Lord!
Pastor Sheree