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. 2 Kings 6:15-17
I love this story of Elisha the prophet and his assistant. The assistant woke one morning to find that they were surrounded by an army determined to silence them. When Elisha prayed, the young mans eyes were opened to the fact that the “surrounding” army were in fact themselves surrounded. In fact, if you take a few minutes and read the rest of the story here (2 Kings 6:8-23) the whole thing turns out to be a trap for the invading Aramean army…an opportunity for God to show his power and protect his chosen people.
It’s easier to see the things coming against us than the protection and provision God has in place to rescue us.
It’s easier to see the current problem than God’s future plan.
It’s easier to see armies of flesh than chariots of fire.
I’m wondering this morning if we should spend less time praying for God to “show up”…and more for him to open our eyes to see that he is ALREADY THERE.
Perspective is everything. I have been learning this hard lately.