Whose Eyes Am I Looking Through?

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Image: luigi diamanti / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

My plan was to sleep in. I woke up at my usual time though. For awhile I tried to go back to sleep, but as my mind began to think through things I knew it would be hopeless. Thoughts about the past in the lives of our children came to mind. I began wondering how God is going to continue to redeem the hurts and sorrows in their lives. (See adoption link if you are interested in more of that story.) A verse that one of my Bible study accountability partners posted came to mind.

"There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord." Proverbs 21:30

Old Testament Bible stories began tumbling through my mind. Stories about the impossible coming to pass because of God's working. The first story I thought of was during the times of the kings of Israel. Israel was being attacked by the Arameans. God, however, was frustrating the king of Aram by revealing his plans to Elisha who would warn the King of Israel. The king found out it was Elisha who was causing this problem, so he took his army to Dothan where Elisha was staying and surrounded the city. I love Elisha's servants response because it would be my response.

"Oh, my lord, what shall we do?" the servant asked. 2 Kings 6:15

Then Elisha answers with a confidence.

"Don't be afraid. Those who are with us are more than those who are with them." And Elisha prayed, "O Lord, open his eyes so he may see." Then the Lord opened the servants eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. 2 Kings 6:16,17

Finish reading the story, and God miraculously delivers the whole army into Elisha's hands. In our eyes, it was one man against an army. In God's eyes, it was the hosts of heaven against a handful of men.

Then Hezekiah king of Judah comes to mind. King Sennacherib of Assyria surrounded Jerusalem. Hezekiah and the people were subjected to listening to the army commanders taunting them as they laid siege to the city and there seemed no escape. The officer told of all the other cities they had defeated and mocked them for worshiping the Lord their God. (2 Kings 18) Hezekiah did the only thing he could do. He was helpless in his own strength. He went to the temple and laid a letter from messengers from Assyria before God.

"O Lord, God of Israel, enthroned between the cherubim, you alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth. Give ear, O Lord, and hear; open your eyes, O Lord, and see; listen to the words Sennacherib has sent to insult the living God." 2 Kings 19:15,16

Did the Lord listen? I would venture to say he did, plus he wasn't real pleased with the taunts from the Assyrians. That night the angel of the Lord put to death 185,000 men in the Assyrian camp. The army withdrew and returned to Ninevah. Impossible situation for man is turned into a victory by God.

Sometimes life's situations can seem overwhelming, but then God reminds me that he is in control. The evil in the world can seem as if it cannot be overcome by the good. But that is looking at things through man's eyes. God is so much bigger. He's more powerful. I'm reminded that we serve a risen Savior. He has the power to overcome death. He has the power to overcome sin in this world. He will redeem all things for his honor and glory in his time.

Thankful for God's gentle reminder to look at things through His eyes and not through mine.

Linking up with:
On Your Heart Tuesdays

Comments

  1. ShandaMarch 21, 2012 at 3:52 PM

    I often remind myself that God is in control. He knew forever ago what I would be going through today. He has been faithful in the past. And I draw my strength

    ReplyDelete

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