Good sense tells us to always be aware of our surroundings. After all, danger lurks just around the corner. How alert are you? My dad used to say, “Believe nothing that you hear and only half of what you see.” It may sound cynical but it’s good advice for a world full of gossips and spiritually blind wanderers. 

2 Kings 6:12-20 is a wonderful example of things not always being what they appear to be. When the king of Aram (Syria) discovered that God was sharing his plans of attack with Elisha, he sent his troops to find Elisha and bring him to face the king. “He sent horses, chariots and a large army there; they came by night and surrounded the city.” Early the next morning Elisha’s servant got up and went outside. Seeing that the city was surrounded, he rushed to Elisha and reported: “Oh my master, this is terrible! What are we going to do?” Elisha answered back, “Don’t be afraid–those who are with us outnumber those who are with them!” I’m sure the servant must have questioned Elisha’s eyesight as he looked around seeing nothing but certain defeat. 

Elisha prayed, “ADONAI, I ask you to open his eyes so that he can see.” What a sight did appear! “There before him, all around Elisha, the mountain was covered with horses and fiery chariots.”  The city was surrounded by the enemy, but the enemy was surrounded by the army of the One true King. God’s army stood ready to attack, however they wouldn’t be called in that day. Elisha prayed, “Please strike these people blind,” and so it happened. From there, Elisha simply told them they were in the wrong city: “Follow me, and I’ll take you to the man you’re looking for,” and he led them to Samaria.

Elisha’s servant only saw half of the picture and was filled with fear until his spiritual eyes were opened. What do you see today–the battle in your face or the rescue of God’s army standing ready to fight? Ask for your spiritual eyes to be open today.