In 2 Samuel, Elisha is sought after by the King of Aram who is at war with Israel. He sends his army to hunt down Elisha. When Elisha’s servant the army and chariots surrounding them, he if filled with terror. Elisha tells him that there’s no problem, “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” As the servant looks around and doesn’t see any back-up army for their protection, Elisha prays that God will open the servant’s eyes to the spiritual realm. God gives him a glimpse into the spiritual world, and he observes that the hills are full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. They are not in the battle alone. Just because you can’t see with your physical eyes doesn’t mean God isn’t actively working in the spiritual realm. Your prayers are more powerful than you realize.

Scriptures – Luke 18:8; 2 Corinthians 10:3-4; Ephesians 6:10-12; 2 Kings 6:15-17; Daniel 10:12-14; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Matthew 13:19; 2 Timothy 2:26; 1 Thessalonians 2:18; 1 Peter 5:8; 1 John 4:4

Verses – For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. (2 Co 10:3-4) We are not fighting against humans. We are fighting against forces and authorities and against rulers of darkness and powers in the spiritual world. (Ep 6:10-11) You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. (1 Jn 4:4)

Thought – Whatever battle you are fighting today, be it in your marriage, with your children, with out-of-control finances, a job situation, or a health crisis, your battle is not in the physical world, it’s not against people with flesh and blood. Your battle is against powers of evil in the spiritual world. There is more going on than you can see with your eyes. The Bible tells us that Satan’s mission is to kill, steal and destroy. He wants to take you out. For the unbeliever, he blinds their eyes to the truth of God’s word. He keeps them from engaging and truly hearing the good news. For the believer, he works to rob you of God’s power. You may be moved, inspired by God’s Word, a message you heard, or a song, and you plan to “do something.” But, by the time you wake up the next morning the inspiration has evaporated, and you don’t act on what God placed within you. Satan also wants to trap you. Whatever your greatest vulnerability, he knows it. He will use friends, family, situations, and circumstances to put you in the worst possible place of vulnerability. Satan will also block your path. If you are working toward getting out of debt, a big expense may come up. Maybe you are working on your marriage and a crisis occurs causing more conflict. Don’t underestimate the spiritual opposition Satan will launch to derail you. But remember your prayers are more powerful than you think. When you pray God is listening. He may begin moving in the spiritual realm before you can see any changes or answers in the physical realm. Don’t give up and don’t give in. The battle is the Lord’s!

Questions – Are you currently in a battle? When you view your battles as spiritual, not just physical, how does it change your perspective and response? Do you try to visualize the answer to your prayer, seeing it as done?

Response – Visualize with your mind’s eye, the answer to your prayer. As you pray remember that God is always working, whether or not you can physically see the results.

Prayer – Lord, open the eyes of my heart and allow me to know that You are working for my good, that Your plans for me are perfect. Help me to trust Your sovereignty and to stay faithful to the hope I have in You. May I always be watchful so that I do not fall for Satan’s schemes. Thank you I know the victory has been won in Christ. In Jesus’ Name I pray, amen.