Seeing the Sacred: God's Presence in Every SeasonSample

Day 3: Barrier to Awareness #2 - Opposition

In 2 Chronicles 20, King Jehoshaphat received news that a large army was approaching. He gathered everyone together, called for a fast, and cried out to God for His help. Despite his strong image and position, the king confessed his powerlessness against the mighty army saying, “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you” (v. 12). In a society that idolizes self-reliance, it takes humility to accept and admit that you don’t know what to do.

Whenever I feel anxious and tempted to act prematurely, I remember King Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah who, in a time of uncertainty, determined that keeping their eyes on God was action enough. It may seem passive or impractical to some to keep your eyes on God, but sometimes the most meaningful actions are the ones that feel like doing nothing at all. Keeping an eye out for God, closely watching His movement in your life, looking for signs of change, and refusing to be swayed by worldly advice (regardless of how well-meaning it may be).

Trusting God is not inactivity, and waiting on His instruction is not laziness or procrastination. You might think you aren’t bringing anything to the table, but you are. Your faith. When things aren’t looking good and panic sets in, don’t lose sight of Him. You might not know what to do, but do what you can, even if it’s just keeping your eyes on Him.

One way they demonstrated staying focused on God was by posturing themselves to hear from Him. When we are encouraged to keep our eyes on God, it may seem abstract. Do I simply stare in the direction of heaven all day? Physically, no. However, spiritually, your heart is fixed on things above. You are choosing to believe truths like:

• I am not alone.
• God is with me, and He is fighting for me.
• The true war is against principalities, not my neighbor.
• This world is not my home.
• Nothing can separate me from the love of God.
• Sin, death, and evil have already been conquered by Christ.

Remembering God is with you is difficult when you’re fully immersed in the intensity of a battle. When warfare reaches its peak, victory is hard to fathom. You are exhausted, feeling completely drained, and just when you think you can take a moment to rest, the Enemy strikes again. Your faith wavers because it’s easier to be scared of what you can see than to be confident in and assured by what you can’t see. Even still, despite the Enemy’s seeming power and advantage, your God is infinitely stronger and fights for you.

In 2 Kings 6, Elisha and his servant were surrounded, and because of that, it looked like they were outnumbered. When you find yourself in a situation or season where it seems like the Enemy is surrounding you and fear greets you at every turn, what do you do? It’s common to feel like God has abandoned you. But do not fear. He’s there too.

“He said, ‘Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.’ 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.” (vv. 16-17)

Just like Jacob, Elisha’s servant didn’t realize that the Lord had been with them the whole time.

Reflection:

1. How does God’s companionship in hardship offer you a different view of your struggles?

Blessing:

The next time you encounter opposition,

may your eyes, like Elisha’s servant, be opened to your present help.

And like Jehoshaphat, may you keep your eyes on Him.