Before we dive in, let me give you a heads up (with a sprinkle of humour!) - We've got not one, not two, but three fantastic videos for you to check out in this post. They're here to ignite your passion and curiosity as we embark on this faith-filled journey together.
Discovering the Unseen Hope
In the cherished world of C. S. Lewis's The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, the joyous roar of the mighty lion Aslan is an emblem of hope and courage. This roar, mighty enough to send the fearsome White Witch fleeing, reminds us of the unseen strength that lies in faith and the presence of God.
Yet Aslan's reappearance in Narnia after a long absence (Prince Caspian) mirrors the Biblical story of the prophet Elisha and his servant (2 Kings 6:15).
How does this mirror the 2 Kings telling of Elisha's servant? When faced with an impending attack from an enemy army, Elisha's servant is struck with despair. However, Elisha calmly reassures his servant, saying, "Don't be afraid. Those who are with us are more than those who are with them" (v. 16). Elisha prays for his servant's eyes to be opened. The servant sees the hills filled with chariots of fire surrounding Elisha (v. 17). This enlightening moment illustrates the unseen power of God.
This is also a Biblical story that confuses people! What was going on here? Let's take a moment to listen to the story as a youth might here it and also get a better comprehension of what God was doing ...
Like Aslan's followers and Elisha's servant, we often despair when facing difficulties, failing to see the invisible army of hope surrounding us. We may feel overwhelmed, as if the enemy - fear, uncertainty, or hardship - has surrounded us. Yet, as told in the story of Elisha and his servant and echoed in the triumphant roar of Aslan, there is a power greater than our fears - God.
In our darkest hours, when all seems lost, the story of Elisha serves as a beacon of hope. It reminds us that our problems, no matter how impossible they seem, are minor compared to the mighty power of God.
The awe-inspiring message behind these two intertwined stories is that God desires to open our eyes and reveal His power. He wants us to realize He is always with us, ready to help and guide us. And just as the servant's eyes were opened to see the chariots of fire, we too can ask God to open our eyes to His unseen strength and support.
When we think we are defeated in times of hardship, it's important to remember the words from 2 Kings 6:17: "The LORD opened the servant's eyes, and he [saw] chariots of fire all around Elisha." This story beautifully portrays the story of Elisha and his servant, further shedding light on the power of God's presence in our lives.
Now, let's hurry forward to the New Testament. John 20:1-18. The apostle Jesus loved tells a similar story about seeing beyond what is there to understand it.
In this passage, Mary Magdalene visits Jesus's tomb and finds it empty.
Distraught and confused, she tells the disciples, who come to see for themselves. But instead of seeing just an empty tomb, they, too, know the presence of God. Through the help of Jesus himself appearing to them, they realize that His death and resurrection were God's ultimate plan for salvation.
Just as Elisha's servant needed his eyes opened to see beyond his fears, Mary Magdalene and the disciples needed their spiritual eyes opened to understand the significance of Jesus's resurrection truly. And just like in Elisha's story, God was there all along, working behind the scenes to reveal His truth and love.
We may not always see God's presence or understand His plan. But when we turn to Him in faith and ask for His help, He will open our eyes and show us His unseen hope, more significant than our fears. Let us remember that just as Aslan's roar and Elisha's servant's eyes were opened to see God's power, we too can have our spiritual eyes opened to see beyond what is visible and trust in the unseen hope of God. So take a moment today to pray for your eyes to be opened.
Here are 3 Lifelines to Anchor Your Heart:
- Seek the Unseen: Just as the Lord opened the servant's eyes, pray for insight to perceive God’s power at work in your life.
- Lean on the Lion's Roar: Let Aslan's roar serve as a reminder of the boldness and authority we have in Christ.
- Trust in Triumph: Stand firm in the promise that with God, we are always victorious, even when the evidence seems otherwise.
As you face your battles, remember that you're not alone. God is with you, and His power is more significant than any evil or obstacle you face. Turn your fears into faith, and let that faith open your eyes to the heavenly army that stands with you.
Reflect on the difficulties in your life. How have you seen God's providence in these situations? In your darkest hours, remember the triumphant roar of Aslan and the unseen army around Elisha. Let these images fuel your courage and deepen your faith.
We are never alone in our struggles. God's strength surrounds us, even if we can't see it. So, let's be bold and ask Him to open our eyes to see the chariots of fire around us. Remember, with God as our ally, we're always on the winning side. Let's invite Him into our lives and trust His mighty power.
May God's unseen hope and power strengthen you in the face of any challenge or fear. And may His presence always surround you, just as the chariots of fire surrounded Elisha and Aslan's mighty roar resounded throughout Narnia. Hold on to this timeless truth - God is more significant than our fears, and His unseen hope will guide us through any difficulty. So, let's trust in Him, lean on His strength, and keep our eyes open to see the miracles He has in store for us. Let the lion's roar of hope be our anthem as we journey through life with God by our side.
May we always remember that God is more significant than our fears, and His unseen strength will guide us through any difficulty we may face. So, let's trust in Him, lean on His power, and keep our spiritual eyes open to see the mighty work of His hand in our lives. Let the triumphant roar of Aslan be our anthem as we journey through life with faith and courage. With God, we are always victorious!
Thank You, God, for Your faithfulness.
