Chariots of fire

Elisha was in Dothan and the King of Aram sent his army down and surrounded the city during the night. Elisha’s servant went outside and saw the city surrounded and he was afraid. “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.” (2 Kings 6:17) 

It’s ok to feel up against the wall.

It’s ok to question God.

It’s ok to be swept away by fear.

This happens to everyone. All of us have been dismayed. All of us have been afraid.

Lately I pray, “God help me see. Help me see your hand. Hold a lamp on my path so I can see you leading me.” I pray like this now because I must. It is what stands between me and hopelessness.

I used to think that praying for a sign was wrong. Jesus said, “A wicked and adulterous generation looks for a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah.” (Matthew 16: 4) I always assumed this passage meant that it was wrong to ask God for a sign. Maybe it is. Maybe I’m not understanding. But perhaps there is a difference in demanding a sign and asking for God to open your eyes.

I can demand that my husband bring me flowers and show his love for me. Or I can open my eyes to the way he already shows his love. I can choose to appreciate that he makes my coffee in the morning. I can notice that he will be the one to pump the gas in the cold of winter. I can tune my heart to read all the tiny ways he shows his love. Or I can make demands and ask him to prove his love by more overt signs.

In praying this way to God I’m asking him to help me see his hand. Asking that he remove the scales come from my eyes. Maybe I’m opening myself to him? I am asking him to change me.

He is everlasting. He is good. He is the I AM. I am the one that needs to change and see.