Open My Eyes

Faith is daring the soul to go beyond what the eyes can see.
                                                                    ~ William Newton Clark   




For some reason this story just makes me want to giggle.  Ben-Hadad, king of Anon was angry -- very angry.  Stalking around the palace his eyes sparked with his anger.  "Every day I plan raids and every day my plans are foiled.  Who is the traitor in our midst?"

His officers tried to calm the king.  "It's not one of us, King.  It's a snitch in the Israelite camp, the Prophet Elisha.  He tells their king the things that are whispered in your bedroom."

Seriously, wouldn't that be fun?  Well, not for Ben-Hadad, but for Elisha who was the snitch?  Every morning God would tell him what battle plan Ben-Hadad had for the day.  Elisha would go directly to the Israelite king to share the plans.  The Aram king knew who the Prophet Elisha, was.  King Ben-Hadad's army commander, Haman, had leprosy and it was Elisha who was used of God to heal him. 

"Go find where he is," the king said.  When the men came back with the information, the king sent horses, chariots and soldiers to capture the Prophet.  They waited until nighttime, then surrounded the city of Dothan. 

When Elisha's servant looked out the window the next morning, he was beside himself.  There seemed to be soldiers everywhere.  "Oh no, what are we going to do?  I'm going out to fight."

Elisha threw his head back and laughed.  At the servant's surprised face he said, "There's more with us than be with them."  And then Elisha prayed, "Lord, open my servant's eyes to see your protection."  When the Lord opened the servant's eyes, he looked around in amazement to see horses and chariots of fire filling the hills.

There's more with us than be with them,

We're on the winning side.

Though mountains surround,

And chariots abound,

We're trusting alone in Thee.

H. Robb French

After that, the Arameans had quite a day.  To sum it up, they were blinded, taken to another city, experienced sight returned,  ate a feast in the enemy camp and were returned to their own army camp.  Here's the best part -- they left Israel's territory alone. 





Emily trying out Grandpa Kuhn's glasses.

Sometimes I just wish God would open my eyes -- especially when an issue looks like a huge mountain.  I try to work it out in my own way.  I fret, search my mind for the best solution, even try to manipulate the situation just in case God doesn't come through in time.  Where's my faith?  I know God can answer my prayers. I've had miracles in my life.  Big. Huge. Miracles.  But the next time I still whine pray, "Lord, what am I going to do?"  I want God to open my eyes so I can see His plan.  I want to see the chariots of fire on the mountain.  Instead I grope in the darkness of my unbelief.

Instead, I should be trusting -- and resting assured it's God's best plan. Trusting that whatever comes to my life God will use for His glory.  I think from now on I'll just pray that God will open the eyes of my heart. I don't have to make sure He has everything under control.  I just need to praise His plan -- before I know it.  To open my heart's eyes to see my Lord high and lifted up, shining in the light of His glory.  This will silence my fears -- and leave room for faith.   

Open the eyes of my heart, Lord.

Open the eyes of my heart.

I want to see you.

I want to see you.

To see you high and lifted up,

Shining in the light of Your glory.

Pour out your power and love,

As we sing holy, holy, holy.

Holy, holy, holy,

Holy holy, holy,

You are holy, holy, holy,

I want to see you.

Peter Baloche

Linked to:

Friendly Wednesday

Wandering Wednesday
Word Women Wednesday