Eyesight is such a precious gift. We have the ability to see much every day. Google tells me on the average:
- we see 4,000 to 10,000 ads each day.
- a person will look upon 3 million faces in the lifetime. Granted some are repeats, but still that is a lot of faces.
- we will look at 5-23 websites a day.
We are seeing more than we realize each day. We depend on our eyesight all day long, without giving thought to all our sight takes in each second.
Elisha, an Old Testament prophet, realized the importance of eyesight, that which we see and often cannot see.
Early one morning, his servant came to him to inform him an army with horses and chariots were surrounding them. Alarmed and frightened he asks, “What shall we do?”
Calmly Elisha responds, “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them” (2 Kings 6:16, NASB).
Obviously, the servant was not seeing the same as Elisha.
“Then Elisha prayed and said, “O Lord, I pray, 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” (verse 17, NASB).
But Elisha prays a second time for eyes, only this time it is the eyes of those who would seek to attack.
“Elisha prayed to the Lord and said, “Strike this people with blindness, I pray” (verse 18, NASB).
The army was struck with blindness and Elisha led them into Samaria. When he prayed for their sight to be restored, they realized they were now prisoners themselves.
These two simple, faith-filled prayers were eye opening to me (pun intended) as I read them recently.
- We must pray for our eyes to see. Only when our eyes are opened are we able to see all God is doing for us each day. His provision, His protection, and His Presence are with us in ways we often can miss.
- We must pray for the eyes of others to see. Only when the eyes of the enemy were opened did they see they were prisoners. May God open the eyes of those who do not yet know Him that they may see Him and see their need of Him.
May we also pray as we open our Bible to read each day …
(Psalm 119:18, NLT)
Yes, yes! Open our eyes, dear Lord. May we all be ready to see Your truths and instructions. Great message.
ReplyDeleteMelissa, I love that you added for us to be ready to see!
DeleteI have just been for an eye test today so I appreciated this post. It reminds me that a spiritual eye check is also important to make sure we are seeing things with a true perspective!
ReplyDeleteIt always amazes me how we don't realize our poor eyesight until it is revealed in an eye exam. Yes (!), we must be sure we are seeing with a true perspective. Such a good point, Lesley.
DeleteThat's one of my favorite OT incidents. What a good reminder that we need to pray for "eyes to see."
ReplyDeleteMine too, Barbara, as it encourages me to pray when I think I cannot see my way through a situation.
DeleteSaturday I picked up new glasses. I had not realized how bad my eyes had gotten. Everything, near and far, is so much more clear now. Praying my spiritual eyes to be opened as well. ♥
ReplyDeleteIt has always amazed me what an eye exam can bring to light - both physically and spiritually :)
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