Fear gripped his being. Heaviness filled his heart and suddenly it was difficult to breathe. He blinked his eyes hard hoping that when he opened them it might have been just a dream. But the enemy was still there. Strong and plenty, their army with horses and chariots surrounded the city.
I know this fear.
I know this feeling of hopelessness.
I know this desperation.
Pressed on all sides by the enemy of my soul, there have been times I found myself struggling to breathe.
- An unexpected diagnosis. Cancer.
- Bills overdue and an empty bank account.
- Unfulfilled expectations.
- A hard season in my marriage.
- Difficult days of parenting.
- Loss of friends.
- Religion without relationship.
- Anxiety and panic attacks.
As Elisha's servant stood with knees knocking wondering what could be done and almost certain of his impending death, Elisha confidently answered, "Don't be afraid. Those who are with us are more than those who are with them."
"And then Elisha prayed, 'O Lord, open his eyes so he may see.' 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 6:17
As the servant's spiritual eyes were opened, he saw God's resources far outweighed that of his enemy. His confidence was no longer in his own ability to defeat the opposing army but in God's strength and power.
When our eyes are focused on the enemy, we miss God's provision. When fear rules our thoughts and emotions, it is difficult to see and believe in faith all that God can do.
"To believe the impossible, we must be able to see the invisible." (Living Branch Church)
Are you facing some impossible circumstances? Do you feel surrounded by the enemy with no hope of escape?
I have good news, friend.
We don't have to fight this battle alone. And those who are WITH us are far more and greater than those who are against us.
I pray today that your spiritual eyes be opened. I pray that God show you His power and might available and working on the inside of you. Whatever your circumstances, SEE the heavenly army that surrounds you...armed for battle....ready for victory.
Open our eyes, Lord, that we may see.
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Joining with Melissa Taylor's Online Bible Study - Greater by Steven Furtick
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10 friends had this to say:
Great Word & great prayer, my friend..."Open our eyes that we may see!" Amen!
I was sitting here tonight being swallowed by my anxiety. Thank you. God's will, not mine, be done.
Thank you, Jen!
Launa...I am praying for you this morning, friend!
This is great, Shelly. I love those passages and never before focused just on those words. love learning new insights. Doesn't this really show the power of intercessory prayer? wow.
Thanks!
Thanks, Jean! Blessings to you, friend! :)
I haven't been poking around blogger for a while now. Have missed your blog.
Was amazed to see the title of your blog post. I just posted on my Life In Beranville blog about having eyes to see! A Thankful Heart, Good Medicine.
Thanks for sharing this!
Shelly, I LOVE this story- one of my favorites from the Old Testament. Such a treat to visit you here again. Hope your new year is off to a great start.
Launa, I just wanted to read the post I had not gotten to last week and I'm so glad I did. You are such a beautiful writer. Your word paint pictures that go to the heart and bring insight. Yes, I've been in those places where all I could see was the enemy surrounding me and I cry out to my God and he answered.
That is one of my favorite stories. To see the {reality} of the unseen. I marvel at the walk of faith. And the moment by moment battle it can be and the exhilaration of the faith-steps taken. <3
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