Encouragement for Today - Apr. 24, 2009
April 24, 2008
What We Can’t See
“’Don’t be afraid,’ the prophet answered. ‘Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.’ And Elisha prayed, ‘O Lord, open his eyes so he may see.’” II Kings 6:16-17a (NIV)
Devotion:
Have you ever asked God to help you see what He’s up to in the spiritual realm?
In II Kings 6:15-17, the prophet Elisha prays for his servant to be able to see beyond his circumstances. They are surrounded by a great army and the odds look to be overwhelmingly against them. He asks God to show the servant what is taking place beyond what the eye can see. The servant’s eyes are opened to a supernatural realm and he is able to see the Lord’s armies gathered to fight on their behalf. Elisha knew his servant was feeling hopeless and simply needed a different perspective.
We need eyes to see just like that servant did. Make no mistake, we are fighting a war. As Christians, we must suit up every day and face another battle. We have an enemy who wants to defeat us. And some days it seems like he gets the victory. We look around at the failing economy, the fractured families, and the fast pace of our lives and feel that the odds are overwhelmingly against us. We grow weary and feel like giving up.
In those moments we need to stop worrying and pray for a new vision. We need to ask God to change our perspective so that we can look past what we can see to what He is taking care of in the unseen. We need to remember to trust Him and to ask Him to help us see His activity—no matter how overwhelmed and unworthy we may feel. God sees us and He will send help when we need it.
The odds are never stacked against us because God is waging a battle we can’t see. I love that He is always fighting on our behalf, even when we don’t see it—and especially when we need it the most.
Dear Lord, please help me to remember that You are fighting even when I don’t see it. Help me to have a vision for what You do daily on my behalf and not grow discouraged by the battles I face. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
Do You Know The One Who Fights for You?
Walk with Me Today, Lord: Inspiring Devotions for Women by Emilie Barnes
For monthly encouragement, get our P31 Woman Magazine
Visit Marybeth’s blog
Application Steps:
The next time you face something and feel overwhelmed, unworthy or discouraged about it, remember Elisha’s servant and what he saw when God opened his eyes. Ask God to open your eyes when you need encouragement.
Reflections:
How would living life aware that God is fighting on your behalf change your outlook?
Power Verses:
Psalm 20:7, “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” (NIV)
I John 4:4, “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” (NIV)
© 2009 by Marybeth Whalen. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
Matthews, NC 28105
