Do You See What I See?

He [Elisha] said, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” Then Elisha prayed and said, “O Lord, please open his eyes [the servant's] that he may see.” So the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. - 2 Kings 6:16-17

An army had been sent to kill Elisha. Elisha and his servant woke up only to find that they were surrounded with no way out. But Elisha saw something greater than the army sent to do them in. He saw the power of God.

We may not be surrounded by a fierce army, but we are faced with difficulties in this life's journey. Problems that seem to be, and very likely are, bigger than we are. More than we can overcome. That is when our faith is tested.

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing - James 1:2-4

Life is a test at its best. I would like to think that all I need is faith to be spared from hardship and loss, but that is not the truth. The thing is that I must trust God before the trouble - in the midst of the trouble - and after the trouble. What it boils down to is "Do we trust God?" no matter what comes our way. Is our faith unwavering in the midst of the storm?  

Do you remember the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and the fiery furnace? They refused to bend their knees to worship any other god but Jehovah. But they were told that if they did not recant and bow down to other gods then they were going to be cast into a furnace. This was their response. 

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up. - Daniel 3:16-18

As it was they did not die - but they were prepared for any outcome - including death. Their devotion was to God the Father. Responding to life is about have a spiritual perspective on life. In the study the Truth Project from Focus on The Family ministry the question is posed, "Do you believe that what you believe is really real?" If you don't then when the "crunch" comes, you will bend you knee. Paul prayed this for the church in Ephesus .... 

I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. - Ephesians 1:16-21

We have been saved for eternity. This short life - which may seem long from man's perspective - is not what you have been saved for. Your natural life has a limit that only God's knows. It will come to an end one day, just as it has for all previous generations. The question for all of us how will we live out the days we have been given. 

So like Elisha asked his servant, I will ask you as you face whatever this natural life brings your way - Even Elisha grew old, got sick and died. Recall that Elisha was Elijah's protégé and received a double portion of the anointing that Elijah had received and yet .... 

Now when Elisha had fallen sick with the illness of which he was to die. .... So Elisha died, and they buried him. - 2 Kings 13:14, 20

"Do you see what I see?" No, it is not a star in the night - but the Creator God in heaven who is now our eternal Father and we are His children - for ever.

My [Jesus speaking] sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. - John 10:27-29

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone