Looking Beyond

“For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you.” 2 Chr. 20:12

When my children were young and we would be outside I would point out a rabbit or bird only to have them search the vast horizon unable to see the animal. As hard as I would point they were focusing on the larger picture creating the inability to focus on the smaller things. If we would try to move towards the object it would simple disappear and run away.

This is the child-like vision we should have in approaching our trials and seasons of suffering. We spend our time sneaking up on our circumstances convincing ourselves that we have the weapons required to attack and defeat our situation. As we close in on one set of circumstances with a plan other circumstances reveal that we really lack control on our own to be victorious.

In the Bible, Paul was placed in one trial after another but he never equated adversity with success. He did not allow his negative circumstances to determine his quality of life or keep him from experiencing fellowship and his relationship with God. He kept his eyes upon Jesus and claimed the victory required in every season of suffering. He lived an Exodus 14:13, 14 life, ‘Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today…The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.’ I love that! I can just hear Paul sitting in prison reciting that verse over and over as he kept his eyes upon Christ. He was looking beyond his present threats to his future deliverance.

Keeping our eyes upon Jesus is not only a beautiful song but a powerful principle in living our lives for God. There is no greater testimony than the suffering heart looking and pointing to Christ in the midst of their chaos. We must ‘keep our heads exalted above the enemies who surround us.’ (Ps. 27:6)

We must fix our gaze on the One who returns our glance and meet Him above the battle.