Open Your Eyes of Faith!

Are your natural circumstances blinding you today? Do you feel like you’re constantly surrounded by difficulties and disappointment? Maybe the enemy’s armies seem to have an overwhelming advantage over you. Have you asked God to help you see the victory?

As we celebrate the resurrection victory of Jesus this month, I think it’s a good time to also read the story of Gehazi, a servant of Elisha in the book of 2 Kings 6:11–19 (NASB). The king of Aram was intent on capturing Elisha, so he sent “horses and chariots and a substantial army” to surround the city where the prophet Elisha dwelt (v. 14).

Elisha’s servant was terrified by the spectacle of this mighty force. “This is hopeless, my master!” he said in alarm. “What are we to do?” (v. 15).

Based on human understanding, it was a perfectly logical question. They were clearly outnumbered. Yet Elisha saw an entirely different picture—made possible by his faith-filled perspective. “Do not be afraid,” he told his servant, “for those who are with us are greater than those who are with them” (v. 16). Then Elisha looked to God and prayed:

“Lord, please, 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 (v. 17).

Can you imagine this moment? God opened the servant’s eyes so that he could see the true reality of His protection and blessings … so he could be encouraged in that overwhelming situation. God knew that unless Gehazi had a new perspective of victory and faith, he would allow fear and hopelessness to take root in his heart.

God wants to give you that same perspective as well. Remember, only the Spirit of God and the Word of God can open the eyes of faith. God wants you to see the all-surpassing greatness of His power available on your behalf. He wants to open your spiritual eyes, so you can trust Him in every situation.

When you look through the eyes of faith, God is always bigger than your problems. While the world says, “Seeing is believing,” the Bible says just the opposite. We must make a choice to believe God’s Word and reject the lies of the enemy. Then—and only then—will our eyes of faith see what is going on in the spiritual realm.

That’s why Jesus pointed out to those standing at Lazarus’ gravesite: “Did I not say to you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” (John 11:40 NASB). Yes, in God’s Kingdom, believing always precedes seeing.

Paul prayed a powerful prayer for the Ephesian Christians—a prayer I encourage you to pray for yourself and your loved ones:

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling … and what is the boundless greatness of His power toward us who believe (Ephesians 1:18–19 NASB).

There’s an important principle here, for in order for faith to arise in your life, you need to have the eyes of your heart enlightened to God’s calling and “the boundless greatness of His power.”

When your spiritual eyes are opened, you will recognize that you’re not alone. God is with you, and He has a massive spiritual arsenal at your disposal. You are His child, and His Spirit is alive within you. Now is the time to allow faith to rise up within you, enabling you to advance God’s Kingdom and overthrow the power of the enemy.

Stand strong! Believe God’s Word, and you will see His glory manifested in your life.