Have you ever felt like you were surrounded, trapped, with no escape in sight? Possibly from a major life disruption like an illness, job issues, marriage problems, or parenting struggles? The burdens of the day-to-day grind starting to weigh you down? You start to question, “Is God really here helping me? Is He really going to come through on this?” Let’s face it: sometimes we come to a point where things look bleak. You may really want to trust Him with the situation, but when you are surrounded by the enemy, it may be easy to see the size of the problem and lose faith that He can really help you: figure out the tough decision you’re making, pay down that huge amount of debt, overcome that anxiety you have been battling for years, repair that broken relationship or heal that deep hurt.
One of my favorite stories in the Bible is found in 2 Kings 6:8-22. The evil king of Aram was out to get the people of Israel, but all of his attack plans kept getting foiled by the prophet Elisha who was getting inside information on the enemy plans from the Lord. Every attack that Aram planned, Israel evaded because of Elisha’s warning. Finally, the king of Aram was informed that his plans were being leaked by this prophet who “tells the king of Israel the very words you speak in your bedroom.” (v.12). He wanted Elisha annihilated and “he sent horses and chariots and a strong force there. They went by night and surrounded the city.” (v.14).
Elisha had faithfully followed God and deserved no harm but as he slept, the enemy army came and surrounded him. Elisha’s servant was the first one up in the morning and looked outside in shock and terror to see their desperate situation. He immediately told Elisha what he saw, but Elisha was not panicked. Elisha was calm. Could he not see that they were surrounded by a huge army with weapons set out to kill them? He could see it all: the chariots, the swords, the big scary soldiers. But Elisha saw something else that his servant did not see. “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.” (v.17). His spiritual vantage point changed and suddenly he saw a heavenly army, bigger than the enemy’s, with an assignment to protect them and bring a spiritual victory.
Just like in our story, problems will occur even when we are living life right with God. The Bible tells us that in this life, we will have troubles. None of us will get through this life without hardship and suffering. When we focus on the problems around us we can easily become defeated, hopeless, and doubtful of our God. If you find yourself at a place where you are surrounded, suffocating and skeptical for what is going to happen, do as Elisha did and pray that your eyes can be opened to see what God is doing. He will open your eyes of faith to reveal His power moving and renew your hope, trust and confidence in Him. God is always working and He is always fighting for you, His beloved child. He has already won the war and is bringing you with Him as “more than a conqueror” (Romans 8:37) in this very battle you are in now. You will overcome the enemy when you stand firm in your faith with the Lord.
Open your spiritual eyes wide and see your situation from heaven’s viewpoint. A perspective change can make all the difference between panic and peace. Lord, help me to see You working in my life. Even when I can’t see it, help me to have faith that you are who You say You are, and You will do what You said You would do. Amen.