OPEN MY EYES

2 Kings 6:8-23 is quite the story.  It has kings, a prophet (a man of God), frustration, a big army, eyes that see, eyes that do not see and wisdom.

Cliff Notes:  The king of Aram was at war with Israel.  He kept moving his troops here and there, but somehow the king of Israel always found out where they were setting up camp.  Poor guy was frustrated and was sure one of his officers was a spy.  No spy, but the prophet, Elisha, had a way of knowing these things.  Pretty sure it had something to do with Elisha being “a man of God.”  The king of Aram was more than upset to hear about Elisha and sent men to capture him.

The servant of the man of God arose to begin his day and thought it was going to be a normal day until he went outside.  The servant saw horses and chariots and a strong force surrounding the city.  And he was the one that had to tell Elisha. 

Elisha said, “Don’t be afraid.  Those who are with us are more than those who are with them”

Then Elisha prayed, “O Lord, open his eyes so he may see.”

See what?  The servant saw hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

The enemies were struck with blindness, they followed Elisha to the king of Israel, the king was convinced not to kill them, instead prepared a feast, and sent them back to their master.  No more raids on Israel’s territory by the king of Aram.

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I am working on the 30 Life Principles Bible Study, by Charles F. Stanley.  Lesson 9 is titled:  Trusting God Means Looking Beyond What You Can See to What God Sees.  Dr. Stanley commented:

Elisha did not pray that his servant would stop seeing the enemy.  He prayed he would start seeing the goodness and provisions of the Lord.

 The servant saw hills full of horses and chariots of fire!

CHARIOTS OF FIRE!

HILLS FULL OF HORSES!

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The servant still saw the enemy.  He saw the strong force that surrounded them.  Now he also saw all those that were with them.  And they outnumbered the enemy.

Sometimes our eyes are closed and we only see the trial.  The struggle. 

Open my eyes that I may see.  What would I see when I am afraid?  When I am going through a trial?  What would I see surrounding my loved ones when they are struggling?

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What would you see when you are afraid?

What would be surrounding you when you are going through a trial?

What would you see surrounding your loved ones?

O Lord, open my eyes so I can see past the enemy.  Past the trial.  Past the suffering.  Open my eyes so I can see those that are with me.    Amen

PS        Remember, they outnumber the enemy but they also are there to celebrate the victory, to share in your joys, and wait with you while you rest.