Believing is Seeing - Encouragement for Today - Jan. 18, 2013

January 18, 2013 Believing Is Seeing Micca Campbell

"O, LORD, open his eyes so he may see." 2 Kings 6:17a (NIV 1984)

When I became a single mom after the death of my first husband, I found my world turned upside down. My life was a balancing act of finances, home and being a stabilizing factor in my son's life.

Decisions that needed to be made closed in on me, but there was no one to consider them with. Which bills had to be paid first? Should I work outside the home? What's the best school for my son?

The more I tried to figure it out, the more afraid I became. Most of the time I avoided the pressing worry and doubt by curling up and sleeping. The burden was huge and the enemy of fear surrounded me.

I felt backed into a corner, tired, worn out and alone.

The truth is, I may have felt alone, but I wasn't. God was there. I knew I had to turn my attention on Him instead of my circumstances. I knew God wouldn't let me fall. I knew He was aware and cared about my worries. So I called on Him for help and asked Him to open my eyes so I might see His provision. I prayed:

"Lord, I trust You are with me. I know You will never leave me nor forsake me. I am not alone. You care for me. You are my provider and You have a perfect plan for me. I do not have to be afraid, for You are faithful."

My prayer ended by asking God to open my eyes so I could see what I had prayed for and professed with my mouth.

He did that for Elisha and his friend in 2 Kings 6:17. King Aram was at war with Israel. During this time, the prophet Elisha and another man of God continuously spied on King Aram and reported his strategy to the king of Israel. When King Aram found out Elisha was the one blowing his cover to Israel, he sent horsemen and chariots by night to surround Elisha's camp and capture him.

When Elisha and the man of God woke up and saw they were encircled by the enemy, the man of God cried out in terror, "What shall we do?" (2 Kings 6:15 NIV 1984) Elisha responded, "Do not be afraid. For those who are with us are more than them." (2 Kings 6:16 NIV 1984)

Then Elisha called to the Lord, "Open his eyes so he may see" (2 Kings 6:17a). Suddenly, the man of God saw chariots of fire from God all around. What do you think that did to his fear to know that God was fighting the battle for them?

Do doubt, fear, worry and discouragement surround you? Do you fear they will conquer you? Are you crying out like Elisha's friend, "What am I going to do?" Day-by-day I committed to face my fears by focusing on God and His power. He guided me with each decision I had to make.

Perhaps it's time to ask God to open your eyes to see His power and love working together to fight your battle. Seeing the truth will help you take a step toward freedom and away from fear. He is in the midst of your circumstances.

Dear Lord, it's hard to trust when I'm afraid. But I choose to look to You and believe You are working on my behalf. Help me to see You in the midst of my cares. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Visit Micca Campbell's blog for Single Mom Survival Tips. Also, enter to win a set of Scripture Cards that will help you know truth.

Discover a faith stronger than all your fears in Micca's book, An Untroubled Heart.

When you purchase resources through Proverbs 31 Ministries, you touch eternity because your purchase supports the many areas of hope-giving ministry we provide at no cost. We wish we could, but we simply can't compete with prices offered by huge online warehouses. Therefore, we are extremely grateful for each and every purchase you make with us. Thank you!

Reflect and Respond:
Begin to face your fears and take action. Set aside time to pray, asking the Lord to show you His power in the challenges you're facing.

As you watch Him work on your behalf, mark each challenge off one at a time. You'll discover that with God's help you're more courageous than you imagined.

Power Verses:
2 Chronicles 20:17, "You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you." (NIV)

1 Peter 2:9, "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." (NIV 1984)

© 2013 by Micca Campbell. All rights reserved.

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