I’ve been thinking a lot about what we cannot see physically but is very real and present; the unseen spiritual world and the presence of God. We rely so much on what we see and know but forget how powerful the spiritual world is. Jesus said to his friends before he ascended, ‘I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’ It is a wonderful promise but how much do we live in the reality of him walking alongside us every day, so much bigger and stronger than any problem we may face or attack from the enemy?
Marilyn has been trying out some smart glasses recently which she asks to tell her what they can see. It is amazing how suddenly she can then ‘see’ things in the room or read things that are usually impossible to her in her blindness. Through the Holy Spirit we too can have our eyes opened to the unseen realities of the kingdom of Heaven. I feel that for someone experiencing a lot of fear and anxiety in your life, Jesus is saying, ‘Don’t be afraid, I am with you and more powerful than any situation you are facing right now. Open your eyes of faith to see my glory all around you.’
This word reminds me of the story in 2 Kings 6:9-17 when Elisha and his servant were under attack from a powerful enemy.
When the servant of the man of God went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. ‘ Oh no my Lord, what shall we do?’ the servant asked. ‘Don’t be afraid,’ the prophet answered. ‘Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.’ And Elisha prayed ‘Open his eyes, Lord, so that 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.’
The enemy loves to put fear in our hearts and make us feel small and powerless. Elisha’s servant felt terrified and helpless compared to the might of their enemies, but the heavenly hosts were so much greater and empowered them to take the victory in that situation. I sometimes feel terrified and helpless too, but I want to learn to always see with the eyes of faith instead of fear, to know in my heart that Jesus is with me ALWAYS and because of the cross, my enemies have no power over me.
Lord we pray that you will open our eyes so we may see the glory of your presence all around us. May our fears melt away and our faith in your great love and awesome power rise up in our hearts. O Lord we long to see as Elisha saw. Thank you that you will answer our prayer.
Amen.
