3d - Pt. 2 - Surrounded Series

I. Introduction

I recently read this statement about loss of sight. Vision

problems may signal serious health conditions, and they can increase your risk for injury or death. I asserted last week that we have become so consumed with earthly things and in a knee jerk response to seeing demons behind every bush and angels in every hitchhiker we now struggle to see into the other dimension that Scripture plainly says is a reality. And what is true in the natural is also true in regards to the supernatural. Vision problems may signal serious spiritual health conditions and can increase our risk for injury or death.

It is essential that every believer develop the ability to discern and see into the spiritual realm to properly defend and make good choices.

I assert it again until we get it.

Unseen doesn't mean unreal!

From Genesis to Revelation there are at least 300 encounters detailed where the main characters encountered angels or spiritual forces outside our dimension. Why should we think that this regular interaction with this other realm be limited to the pages of Scripture? Why would we think that we are exempt from having the supernatural operating around us as well. The writer of Ephesians wanted to make sure we didn't lose our sight. So, he says . . .

Ephesians 6:12

For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies,

but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

There it is the unseen world.

So, let's go back to the account I read to you last week. Last week we examined this account and talked about what happens when you can't see. This week I want us to look at what happens when you are sighted!

2 Kings 6:13-23

“Go, find out where he is,” the king ordered, “so I can send men and capture him.” The report came back: “He is in Dothan.” Then he sent horses and chariots and a strong force there. They went by night and surrounded the city. When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?” the servant asked. “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. As the enemy came down toward him, Elisha prayed to the Lord, “Strike this army with blindness.” So he struck them with blindness, as Elisha had asked. Elisha told them, “This is not the road and this is not the city. Follow me, and I will lead you to the man you are looking for.” And he led them to Samaria. After they entered the city, Elisha said, “Lord, open the eyes of these men so they can see.” Then the Lord opened their eyes and they looked, and there they were, inside Samaria. When the king of Israel saw them, he asked Elisha, “Shall I kill them, my father? Shall I kill them?” “Do not kill them,” he answered. “Would you kill those you have captured with your own sword or bow? Set food and water before them so that they may eat and drink and then go back to their master.” So he prepared a great feast for them, and after they had finished eating and drinking, he sent them away, and they returned to their master. So the bands from Aram stopped raiding Israel’s territory.

It is important to see because . . .

When you can see there is no panic, there is a plan.

Last week we said that being blind to the supernatural could lead to fear. The servant freaks out and asks what are we going to do. But when you are sighted there is no scared. Elisha's ability to see into the supernatural resulted in him being cool, calm and collected. Why didn't he panic? Because he knew there was a plan.

We know there is a plan don't we?

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans

to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

When we can see we recognize that even pain full, unexpected, unwanted situations are only paths to the plan. When we recognize that our steps are ordered, then we don't panic when those steps lead us to impossible circumstances. We simply relax and work the plan!

The people I see that panic are those who can't see. Open your eyes to the plan again. What has He said He would do in your life? What has He spoken about your future? If you can see, then you won't scare.