Inhale (Exhale): Breathing in Grace and Living Out HopeSample

Today’s passage is one of the most intriguing and fascinating scenes in Scripture when the fear of Elisha’s servant was transformed to faith as he was allowed to view the hidden reality the prophet knew God had already provided. His spiritual eyes were opened to see what his physical eyes could not.

As small children, our lack of knowledge and understanding of the world can cause us to not be afraid of things we should, while being scared of other things that don’t even exist. The vivid imaginations we have as children can create “monsters” that come alive in the dark and venture out at night. They suddenly appear as soon as dad or mom turn out the lights and leave the room. Whether under the bed, in the closet, or appearing out of nowhere, the threat can feel very real, while only existing in the mind. Once convinced anything evil is in the room, only two things will make the monster go away—the presence of light and/or a parent. Most dads and moms have spent many hours trying to convince a child to accept a logical answer that just can’t yet be understood at such a young age.

As adults, although we eventually outgrow the monster-under-the-bed moments, ironically, we transfer that exact concept over onto other areas of life. Perceived physical threats such as potential illness, death, job loss, or a financial crisis can create fears that keep us up at night. Worrying about possible emotional attacks like lies, betrayal, abandonment, and manipulation can feel just like a monster in the closet waiting to jump out. Mental challenges like depression and anxiety, or spiritual battles such as guilt and shame, can barrage us. That depth of darkness can feel at forty years old like the same imminent danger the imaginary monster brought on at the age of four.

At any age, invisible threats enter our minds that we feel could become a reality. Elisha’s servant saw a powerful physical threat that created great fear until the prophet asked God to show him the spiritual reality of heavenly provision and protection

The next time you’re afraid of a perceived or real threat, ask the Lord to open your eyes to see how He is at work in your life.

What is your greatest fear in life right now? How can today’s Bible passage encourage you to turn the circumstance over to God?