RECAP: SEEING THROUGH GOD’S EYES based on 2 Kings 6:8-23
Proverbs 29:18 states that without a vision, people perish. What happens when we have no vision literally? We become disoriented, like my attempt to drive on Skyline Drive from Big Meadows to the Elkton exit in the midst of deep fog! We become like the foundation of our nation, attacking one another until the vision of the founding fathers crafted a new way forward. For it is vision that rallies people together, that unites us, that gives us a common goal and direction.
Sometimes, it is hard to see a way forward, especially when in a spiritual fog. We are in a time similar to the time of Elisha the prophet. Culture was hostile toward the faith, and the nation of Israel, who was supposed to be the people of God, had sold out and watered down their faith in God, blending their faith with the other nations around them. God was just one piece of their lives. As long as the did the sacrifices, they were “okay” and could live no different than their neighbors. Does this sound familiar? There is nothing new under the sun!
How can we, in a time of spiritual fog, finding the vision we need to move forward and see through God’s eyes?
1) Realize it is sometimes difficult to see, especially when we are in a spiritual war. In the time of Elisha, Aram was at war with Israel, and I already stated the conflict within. The king of Israel at the time was Joram, the son of Ahab. Ahab was the wicked king that tried to kill Elisha’s mentor Elijah. That same Elijah, who called down fire from heaven in 1 Kings 18 ran for his life in 1 Kings 19. He was in a spiritual fog because he was surrounded by opposition!
When we are surrounded by opposition and it is hard to see, we need to position ourselves to be able to see. Elijah encountered God on Mt. Sinai, who there reminded him of three things: God was still in control, that Elijah was not alone, and there are more faithful than he realized. Elisha learned this story from his mentor, and so when he was in a time of opposition, he knew that God was in control, that he was not alone, and there were more faithful than he knew. It didn’t matter that a target was on his back and he couldn’t see; he knew God could see through the fog. And even when there are competing voices, the true voice of God will guide us through.
Sometimes following God leads to opposition, or more murkiness, but can we trust that God can see where we can’t?
2) God is still working even when we cannot see. The town of Dothan is surrounded by hills on every side. Imagine Gehazi’s horror when he woke up, walked out of the tent, and saw the entire town surrounded by the armies of Aram! But Elisha did not panic, for he could see the angelic host completely surrounding the armies, in chariots of fire and swords drawn! Even when it looks like the world is winning, God is still in control and works on the behalf of the righteous.
3) God specializes in the impossible! Even though the armies of God surrounded the armies of Aram, Elisha still had to escape the situation. God allowed the escape through answered prayer, blinding the entire army (at least 6000 strong!). The same is true in our lives–when we are surrounded spiritually by the forces of darkness, God will intervene. He will provide a way of escape when we face temptation (1 Cor 10:13). Satan wants us to believe our God is impotent and inactive, but God is alive and well, and still in control!
4) See as God does, through the lens of grace. Elisha led the blind army out of the city to Samaria, the capital of Israel. Once the blinded eyes were opened, the enemy realized their predicament–they were in the city of the king of Israel! They were as good as dead. But Elisha encouraged hospitality, mercy, and grace. From that day on, the army stopped raiding Israel, and they actually became allies. God’s faithfulness always comes hand in hand with grace.
We live in a tough time friends. It might feel like we are in a fog, and its difficult to see. But God is still working when we can’t see. He will do the impossible, and inspire us to grace. The best days of Beaver Creek are ahead! Can we see it?
Questions for Reflection
1) What things in your life make it hard to see God?
2) What spiritual armies are coming against you?
3) What impossible thing do you need God to do for you?
4) What is your dream for Beaver Creek?
Upcoming Service
This Sunday Pastor Ryan will continue the Vision series with the sermon titled, “Together as God’s Church,” based on Ephesians 4:1-16. What does it mean to be the church, and to walk into God’s vision together? Come or tune in Sunday to find out!
Daily Bible Readings for July 13 – 19
July 13: 1 Kings 22:1-28 How can God’s vision clash with man’s?
July 14: Jeremiah 32:26-44 How did Jeremiah’s vision bring hope in midst of calamity?
July 15: Ezekiel 37:1-14 How did Ezekiel’s vision bring hope in the midst of difficulty?
July 16: Acts 10:23-48 How did Peter’s change of vision spread the gospel?
July 17: 2 Corinthians 12:1-10 How did Paul’s vision strengthen him in his time of struggle?
July 18: John 17:20-26 What was Jesus’ prayer?
July 19: 1 Corinthians 12:12-26 How does God view unity?
This Week’s Events:
Thursday, July 15–Leadership Team @ 7 pm
Upcoming Events:
Saturday, July 24–Winnie’s retirement celebration from 4-8 pm
Sunday, August 8–Summer Vespers @ 6:30 pm
Announcements:
Call for Worship Leaders and Children’s Story
As we look at the ability to reopen in the coming weeks, we are in need of both worship leaders and children’s story. We are looking for one person each week, rather than a month at a time. If you would like to serve, contact Alice Over (worship leading) or Tammy Stine (children’s story).
Summer Vespers
In place of our Lenten Vespers, we will have summer outdoor vespers on our church grounds two additional Sunday evenings during the summer: August 8, and September 5 at 6:30 pm. Come enjoy some fellowship, campfire songs, and our wonderful church family outdoors! More details will be coming in future editions.
This past Vespers, I challenged those who attended to think about one thing that the church has meant to them and one thing they would love to see at Beaver Creek in the next five years. I now extend the same two questions to you if you did not attend. If you would like to answer, please simply email me the answer to those two questions!
Call to Prayer
Let us continue to pray for our nation in the following ways:
1) National return to God
2) Repentance of personal sin
3) Repentance of corporate sin
4) Healing for the brokenness of relationships
5) Our leaders
6) Restoration of the national church
7) Revival
Nursery
Misti Wheelbarger is looking for volunteers for the nursery during the Sunday School hour for next year. If you are willing to help, even if it is just for a Sunday, please reach out to her and let her know.
Four Ways to Give!
1) Mail your tithe into the church office
2) Drop it by the church office on Tuesday, Thursday or Friday, 9 am – 1 pm
3) Our online giving platform: https://beavercreekchurchva.churchcenter.com/giving
4) Drop off in the offering plate on Sunday!
Prayer Needs
Continue to Keep in Prayer our members in Skilled Care Facilities: Mary G Miller, Shirley Miller, Stanley Suter & Carolyn Wine
John Bennington (health)
Sam Carr (health)
Elijah Tucker Dean (health)
Tina Dotson (COVID)
Bill Eckard (recovery)
John Fix (addiction)
Janet Good (health)
Cindy Heatwole (health)
Heath Kimmell (health)
Larry LaPrade (COVID)
Lent family (work)
Barbara Meadows (health)
Alda Miller (health)
Betty Miller (health)
Mary M Miller (recovery)
Mary G Miller (health)
Tami Plaugher (health)
Chris Shirk (health)
Ann Simmons (health)
Crystal Smith (health)
Tammy Stine (broken ankle)
Frank Tusing (health)
Thompson family (COVID)
Mary Whitmore (health)
Whitmore family (various)
Owen Wright (health)
Tyler Zombro (health)
Pastor Ryan Cooper
Beaver Creek COB