Eyes Opened
Background Story: Elisha was a prophet of Israel and was the successor to the prophet Elijah.
Read 2 Kings 6: 8-17
8 Now the king of Aram was at war with Israel. After conferring with his officers, he said, “I will set up my camp in such and such a place.”
9 The man of God sent word to the king of Israel: “Beware of passing that place, because the Arameans are going down there.” 10 So the king of Israel checked on the place indicated by the man of God. Time and again Elisha warned the king, so that he was on his guard in such places.
11 This enraged the king of Aram. He summoned his officers and demanded of them, “Tell me! Which of us is on the side of the king of Israel?”
12 “None of us, my lord the king,” said one of his officers, “but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the very words you speak in your bedroom.”
13 “Go, find out where he is,” the king ordered, “so I can send men and capture him.” The report came back: “He is in Dothan.” 14 Then he sent horses and chariots and a strong force there. They went by night and surrounded the city.
15 When the servant of the man of God got up and 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.
16 “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”
17 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.
Big Idea: We do not fight our battles alone.
Surrounded. In 2 Kings 6, Elisha and his servant found themselves surrounded by the army of Aram. Everything the servant could see with his eyes told him that they were outnumbered and he was filled with fear. But the prophet Elisha had a different perspective. Instead of being outnumbered by the enemy, Elisha saw they were surrounded by the the armies of God and that , “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”
Life is full of stress and that stress can overwhelm us filling us with fear for the future. In those battles, Satan wants us to feel surrounded and alone. Like Elisha, how can we see our battles with a new perspective?
Let’s pray that same prayer from Elisha. “Lord, please open my eyes that I may see.” Ask God to open your eyes to see that He is walking with you and that you are not alone. Ask Him to strengthen you through His word and give you wisdom in your circumstances. Next confess and pray these battle promises from God’s word every time discouragement arises. Through fresh eyes, we can look up from our circumstances and see the One who is surrounding us.
Battle Promises:
“It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
“So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” Hebrews 13:6
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
“Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.” Psalm 55:22
“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16
“But as for me, I will look to the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me.” Micah 7:7
“Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:23-26
Takeaway Verse:
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