The Unseeen World . . .

All around us there exists an unseen world ... an extra dimension that cannot be observed by even the sharpest and most advanced of our scientific instruments. I am referring, of course, to the supernatural realm. Now because we cannot see, hear, touch, smell, taste this realm . . . it is easy to lose site of its existence. Or even if we acknowledge its existence, we so often lose sight of its relevance for our own living in this natural realm in which we live and move and have our being.

There is a fascinating account in the Old Testament that not only speaks to the reality of this unseen supernatural realm, but also demonstrates how the supernatural world does indeed impact the world in which we live. The King of Syria sent troops to besiege the city of Dothan. He was seeking the prophet Elisha (who was proving to be a real thorn in his side) and had been informed that Elisha was in Dothan. The Syrian soldiers arrived under the cover of darkness and surrounded the city. We pick up the story as related in 2 Kings 6:15-18:

"When the servant of the man of God rose early in the morning and went out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was all around the city. And the servant said, "Alas, my master! What shall we do?" ¹⁶He said, "Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them." 

 Now at this point, I am sure that Elisha's servant must have been wondering if the prophet had started his day with a swig of strong drink. As far as he could see, the Syrian far outnumbered and out-bowed any feeble resistance that the city of Dothan could offer! Let's read on . . .

¹⁷Then Elisha prayed and said, "O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see." So the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. ¹⁸And when the Syrians came down against him, Elisha prayed to the LORD and said, "Please strike this people with blindness." So he struck them with blindness in accordance with the prayer of Elisha." (2 Kings 6:15-18)

Please note one very important point about Elisha's prayer. He did not ask God to send help. He simply asked God to open the eyes of his servant to be able to see the help that was ALREADY PRESENT!  And when Elisha prayed ... those forces got to work on his behalf! 

My friends, Elisha was not left alone to face his foe. Neither are we!  For starters, we have God himself in the person of the Holy Spirit indwelling us as our constant companion and helper (John 14:16-18). In addition, God sends his angels to minister to us (Hebrews 1:14). So the next time you feel this present world pressing down upon you - keep in mind that there's an unseen world around you full of help! 

Thanks for stopping by . . . 

pj