2 Kings 6:16-17 “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.” 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.

This has always been a delightful story to me, even though it was doubtless terrifying to Elisha’s servant at the time. It’s no wonder it inspired one of the signature Star Wars scenes! (“These are not the droids you are looking for.”) However, this was not some fictional “Jedi mind trick,” but an action of God. Like the servant, and for that matter, like the Arameans, we are often blind to what is really going on, but God never is. If we lack spiritual perception, we need to recognize that fact and ask God to open our eyes. That’s frankly not a guarantee that He will show us what we want to know, because as came out yesterday, sometimes we’re better off not knowing some things! However, it does help with our peace of mind, at least, when we know what’s actually going on. There are times, of course, when what is actually going on isn’t nice at all for our flesh, and knowing can be rough in itself. A good example of that would be Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. That’s why we need to operate by faith and not sight, just like Paul said. (2 Corinthians 5:7) Way back when I was in seminary there was a little chorus that went, “We win, we win, hallelujah! We win! I read the back of the book, and we win!” That’s what this is all about. Even in Gethsemane Jesus knew that after His indescribable suffering He would work total victory, not only for Himself but for all who would believe in Him. When we really grasp that “our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all,” (2 Corinthians 4:17) we can have peace in just about any situation.

This is one more realization of faith that I have been growing into. As I comment from time to time, I’m someone who likes to know things. It’s not that I can’t handle surprises, but I’m an information junkie. I have never felt that ignorance was bliss! I have had to grow into the place that knowing that God knows everything is enough. I still have trouble with that at times! I need to keep moving in faith, even when I can’t see one step in front of me. I need to trust that God’s plans are always good, and He will never abandon me. I need to remember that those on my side are always more than those in opposition, provided I am on God’s side! That needs to be my focus: staying on God’s side. In that position I never have anything to worry about, ever.

Father, thank You for this reminder. Thank You for Your presence in the service yesterday, and especially for the two people who boldly declared their allegiance to Jesus Christ as Lord. I pray that You would guide them in each step from this point, and even use me in the process! I pray that they would grow in seeing through the lies of the enemy that have bound them for so long, so that they may walk in the fullness of all that You have for them, for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!