At times you may encounter situations that seem so overwhelming that you may lose sight of God. That was how Elisha’s servant felt when he and Elisha were surrounded by a hostile army.

Now when the attendant of the man of God had risen early and gone out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was circling the city. And his servant said to him, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?” (2 Kings 6:15)

Your situation may not be that desperate but you may be experiencing challenges and concerns that are causing you to feel overwhelmed. As the pressure increases, you may start to feel fear and discouragement. Elisha addressed his servant’s concerns,

So he answered, “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” (2 Kings 6:16)

How could Elisha say that? Fear is an emotion and it can be difficult to change our emotions. We must realize however, that when we change our thoughts they can influence our emotions. Elisha’s servant was focusing on the problem whereas Elisha had God’s perspective because he was seeing with spiritual eyes. If God is not in our thinking then we can be influenced by a host of fears. Fear can be expressed by the following acronym,

False
Evidence
Appearing
Real

Elisha clarified the situation for his servant as he prayed that God would give him spiritual eyes to see beyond the problem,

“Then Elisha prayed and said, ‘O LORD, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.’ And the LORD opened the servant’s eyes and he saw; and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.” (2 Kings 6:17)

What is a fear that you’re facing where you need God’s perspective? God’s children have a great promise,

You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world. (1 John 4:4)

May God open your eyes to see God’s resources available to you in the midst of your challenges.

RickAssociate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

Follow me on twitter:  rickhiggins5