Real Eyes, Realise, Real Lies: This Is How I Fight My Battles

I was at a conference recently where we were all handed glasses to wear for the duration of the talk. The speaker said this was to give us fresh perspective – to look beyond what we already knew or what caught our eye, as though we were looking at it through new eyes. Now, as cool as these glasses were, we didn’t necessarily need them to do this! Ha. But the truth is that how we see things is key to how we respond/act in a situation, and I’ve learnt that who or what we’re looking at is also key to determining how we respond. 
One of my favourite stories in the Bible is from 2 Kings 6:8–23. In this passage, the Aramean king attempts to capture Elisha because he is the one responsible for Israel’s victories over Aram. Each time the king tries to attack Israel, Elisha supernaturally warns the king of Israel and foils his plans. One morning Elisha’s servant steps outside and sees that they are surrounded by the Aramean army and grows very afraid and runs to tell Elisha, who responds by asking God to open his servant’s eyes so that he could see the armies of Heaven who are on their side. The servant opens his eyes and sees armies of angels surrounding them. Seeing how close and mighty God’s power is, gives Elisha’s servant the confidence he needs to go forward. 
On most days, I feel like Elisha’s servant. My assignments at work are overwhelming. My mother’s prognosis can seem disheartening. Building my life in a new city feels like a long battle. Dreams that have failed to take off weigh me down. I feel surrounded! 
What’s also interesting about this story is that this same servant had witnessed the hand of God on many occasions. He got to watch time and again as Elisha foiled the Aramean’s war plans and he had seen the power of God at work. And yet, when surrounded by the Aramean army a few days later, he was struck with fear. I identify with this guy! It’s so encouraging to know that we’re not alone in our struggles, and that our Father in His infinite patience and kindness works in our hearts till we come to a place of “seeing” the God of angel armies on our side.

Eyes to see beyond fear to trust God

When the servant of the man of God rose early in the morning and went out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was all around the city. And the servant said, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?” (2 Kings 6:15)
The servant got overwhelmed by what he saw in front of him. He missed the greater reality surrounding him. How often do I get overwhelmed by my physical circumstances? What is my first response when faced with opposition or hardship?
I love what happens next.
He said, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” 17 Then Elisha prayed and said, “O Lord, please open his eyes 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)
We’re never alone! Even in our darkest moments, when we feel like we’re at the end of our rope and we’re ready to throw the towel in, the truth is that “those who are with us are far greater than those that are in the world”. His presence is a promise that we can cling to in every season and through every single circumstance.
This song, written by UpperRoom, captures this truth so wonderfully and has become a personal anthem in seasons of uncertainty and feeling “surrounded”.
May God help us “see” the world, our lives and our battles with the correct vision, and may we always look to him, the author and perfecter of our faith, to get the right perspective.
Contributed by Divya Ruth Jose
Divya loves Jesus, Hyderabadi biryani and board games. She’s a work in progress, dreaming God-sized dreams and trusting in a hope, love and faith that hasn’t failed her.