Read: 2 Kings 6:8-17
Then Elisha prayed and said, “O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see.” (v. 17)
One of the things I have learned about prayer is that it brings me clarity in troubling situations. When I am worried about difficulties in my life or in the world, I bring them to God in prayer. And as a result, God helps me see beyond the physical to a whole other dimension where God is at work. I don’t mean that I have visions—but I do experience God’s assurance, and he changes the way I see the situations. The hymn writer Clara Scott expresses it this way: “Open my eyes that I may see / glimpses of truth thou hast for me.”
This kind of thing took place in our reading today. The servant of Elisha was afraid when he saw the armies of the king of Aram surrounding the city. To the human eye, the Israelites would most certainly suffer a devastating defeat. But Elisha knew better. So he prayed that God would open the eyes of his servant. And then the man saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire protecting Elisha from harm.
This may be the case far more often than we realize. We frequently think that it is just “me against the world” and that we have to fight our own battles. Nothing could be further from the truth! God is faithful and his promise is that he “will never leave you nor forsake you” (Heb. 13:5).
As you pray, ask God to help you “live by faith, not by sight” (2 Cor. 5:7 NIV).
About the Author
Rev. John C. Koedyker is an ordained minister in the Reformed Church in America. He has served as a missionary to Japan as well as pastor of several churches in Iowa and Michigan. Until recently he served Muskegon Classis as its Stated Clerk for 18 years. He resides in Grand Haven, Michigan.
