Open your Eyes

Have a read today from 2 Kings 6:8-23:

When the king of Aram was at war with Israel, he would confer with his officers and say, “We will mobilize our forces at such and such a place.”

9 But immediately Elisha, the man of God, would warn the king of Israel, “Do not go near that place, for the Arameans are planning to mobilize their troops there.” 10 So the king of Israel would send word to the place indicated by the man of God. Time and again Elisha warned the king, so that he would be on the alert there.

11 The king of Aram became very upset over this. He called his officers together and demanded, “Which of you is the traitor? Who has been informing the king of Israel of my plans?”

12 “It’s not us, my lord the king,” one of the officers replied. “Elisha, the prophet in Israel, tells the king of Israel even the words you speak in the privacy of your bedroom!”

13 “Go and find out where he is,” the king commanded, “so I can send troops to seize him.”

And the report came back: “Elisha is at Dothan.” 

14 So one night the king of Aram sent a great army with many chariots and horses to surround the city.

15 When the servant of the man of God got up early the next morning and went outside, there were troops, horses, and chariots everywhere. “Oh, sir, what will we do now?” the young man cried to Elisha.

16 “Don’t be afraid!” Elisha told him. “For there are more on our side than on theirs!” 17 Then Elisha prayed, “O Lord, open his eyes and let him see!” The Lord opened the young man’s eyes, and when he looked up, he saw that the hillside around Elisha was filled with horses and chariots of fire.” (NLT2)

This has to be one of my favourite passages. One that I have prayed a lot in my short time here on Earth.. especially in the hospital, when I am alone. 

I have felt so alone. Even in the presence of nurses and doctors and, even my family and friends. I have felt that, while there are numerous people around me, I still felt that I was all alone. I felt darkness closing in on me. I felt that no one truly understood what I was going though, and I was alone and truly scared to death. 

So, I somewhat understand how Elisha’s servant felt at the sight of the Armean army. They had he and Elisha surrounded. But, Elisha wasn't scared. 

While He was eating his Rice Krispies, he simply prayed that his servant’s eyes would be open. Here, read it again:

When the servant of the man of God got up early the next morning and went outside, there were troops, horses, and chariots everywhere. “Oh, sir, what will we do now?” the young man cried to Elisha.

16 “Don’t be afraid!” Elisha told him. “For there are more on our side than on theirs!” 17 Then Elisha prayed, “O Lord, open his eyes and let him see!” The Lord opened the young man’s eyes, and when he looked up, he saw that the hillside around Elisha was filled with horses and chariots of fire.”

Incredible isn't it? We think that we are alone, but we are never, truly alone. Ever. God is always with us. Always. 

I know this to be true because of God’s name: Immanuel. It means God is with us.(Matt. 1:23) His presence is with us all of the time. Even, and especially when we feel so alone. 

If you find yourself in the middle of everyone, but feel all alone;

If you are facing something that is too big for you and you feel alone; 

If you just don’t think you can go one for one more moment, ask God to open your eyes. 

Ask God to show you that He is with you, and there are more on your side, there are more with you, than could possibly be against you. 

One of my favourite verses is Romans 8:31: If God is for us, who can be against us?” 

Think about that. If God is on your side, and if you are a fully devoted follower of Jesus— He is—- then He’s on your side. He will not leave you, He will not forsake you, He will be with you always, you just need to pray in faith, “Lord Open my eyes, help me to see you.”

He might not be where you expect Him to be, but He will show up, and He will hold you. 

It worked for me, and it just might work for you. But you've got to ask first.