Seeing the Unseen: Faith, Vision, and Kindness

Devotional

Day 1: Seeing Beyond What Is Visible

When life surrounds you with real and daunting challenges, faith calls you to look beyond what is visible and trust in the unseen presence and power of God. The difference between reacting in fear and resting in faith is having spiritual perception—an ability to see that God is already at work, surrounding what surrounds you, and providing protection and provision even when you cannot see it with your natural eyes. This spiritual imagination is not wishful thinking, but a faith-filled vision that God is greater than any obstacle or enemy you face. [01:47:18]

2 Kings 6:15-17 (ESV)
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?” He said, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” Then 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.

Reflection: What is one situation in your life right now where you need to ask God to help you see His presence and provision beyond what is visible?

Day 2: Prayer Unlocks Spiritual Vision

God’s presence is always with us, but it is often through prayer that our eyes are opened to see His hand at work. Prayer is not just a ritual, but a holy habit that positions us to receive divine revelation and spiritual discernment. If you want to see God more clearly, you must seek Him more earnestly—making prayer a regular rhythm of your life, not just a Sunday morning activity. God entrusts revelation to those who seek His face, and it is through persistent, heartfelt prayer that He reveals what is hidden and gives access to His wisdom and guidance. [02:04:21]

Jeremiah 33:3 (ESV)
Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.

Reflection: When and where can you intentionally set aside time today to seek God in prayer, asking Him to open your eyes to what He wants to show you?

Day 3: The Power of Faith-Filled Community

When your faith is weak and your vision is clouded, it is vital to stay close to people whose faith is strong enough to see for you until you can see for yourself. The company you keep shapes your spiritual clarity—walking with those who are mature in faith can build your confidence in God and help you see possibilities beyond your present circumstances. God often uses relationships to pass on revelation and encouragement, so be intentional about connecting with those who can see the unseen and speak hope into your life. [02:09:19]

Proverbs 13:20 (ESV)
Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.

Reflection: Who in your life has a faith that inspires you to see beyond your current struggles, and how can you intentionally connect with them this week for encouragement?

Day 4: Responding to Opposition with Kindness

When faced with those who oppose or mistreat you, God calls you to respond not with vengeance, but with kindness and mercy. Showing grace to your enemies is a powerful testimony of your confidence in God’s protection and provision. Sometimes, the best way to “kill” an enemy is to kill them with kindness, trusting that God is strong enough to take care of you and that your merciful response can convict and even transform those who come against you. [02:17:54]

Romans 12:20-21 (ESV)
“To the contrary, ‘if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

Reflection: Is there someone who has wronged you or stands against you? What is one practical way you can show them unexpected kindness this week?

Day 5: Jesus, the Ultimate Example of Faith and Vision

Jesus faced the ultimate opposition and suffering, yet He looked beyond the visible pain of the cross to the unseen victory of resurrection. He used holy imagination and unwavering faith to see Himself raised in power, even when all He could see was darkness and death. Because of His faith, we too can trust that God will bring us through our trials and give us victory, even when we cannot see the outcome. Let Jesus’ example inspire you to see the unseen and believe that God will take care of you. [02:21:36]

Hebrews 12:2 (ESV)
Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to follow Jesus’ example and trust God for victory, even though you cannot yet see how it will happen?

Sermon Summary

The blood of Jesus is the foundation of our hope, our restoration, and our joy. When we look back over our lives, it becomes clear that it was nothing but the blood of Jesus that saved us, cleansed us, and made us whole. This truth is not just a theological statement but a lived reality for all who have experienced God’s redeeming power. In the midst of life’s challenges, we are reminded to rejoice, to praise, and to stand firm in the assurance that Jesus is ours—our blessed assurance, our story, and our song.

Yet, life often brings seasons where we feel surrounded by difficulties, anxieties, and threats—just as Elisha and his servant were surrounded by the Aramean army. The servant saw only the danger, but Elisha saw something more: the unseen presence of God’s protection. The difference was not in the reality of the threat, but in the vision to perceive God’s greater reality. Elisha prayed, “Lord, open his eyes that he may see,” and suddenly the servant saw the mountain full of horses and chariots of fire—God’s army encircling them.

This is a call to cultivate spiritual imagination, to see beyond what is visible and trust in the God who is always present, even when unseen. Faith is not denial of reality, but the ability to see God’s possibilities in the midst of impossibility. We are challenged to pray for vision, to seek God’s face daily, and to stay close to those whose faith can see for us when our own vision falters. Prayer is the key that unlocks spiritual discernment; God entrusts revelation to those who earnestly seek Him.

Moreover, the story teaches us about the power of kindness and confidence in God. When the enemy was delivered into Israel’s hands, Elisha instructed the king to show mercy, not vengeance. Sometimes, the greatest testimony of our faith is to respond to opposition with grace, trusting that God is our defender. Ultimately, Jesus Himself modeled this faith—seeing beyond the cross to the resurrection, enduring suffering with the assurance of victory. We are invited to make the same prayer our own: “Lord, open my eyes,” so that we may see the unseen, live by faith, and walk in the victory Christ has secured.

Key Takeaways

1. The Power of Spiritual Vision: True faith is not just about seeing what is in front of us, but about perceiving God’s presence and possibilities beyond our immediate circumstances. When we are surrounded by trouble, the difference between fear and faith is the ability to see the unseen—God’s protection and provision that encircle us even when we feel outnumbered. [107:18]
2. Spiritual Imagination and Faith: Faith requires a holy imagination—a willingness to envision God’s intervention even when our senses tell us otherwise. If we cannot imagine God making a way, then what we see has already defeated us. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen; it calls us to anticipate God’s deliverance before it manifests. [109:39]
3. The Discipline of Prayer for Revelation: Spiritual discernment and revelation are not given to the casual seeker. God reveals Himself to those who seek Him earnestly in prayer. Just as Elisha prayed for his servant’s eyes to be opened, we must make prayer a daily discipline, seeking God’s face so that He may grant us vision and understanding beyond our natural sight. [120:57]
4. The Importance of Faithful Community: When our own faith is weak or our vision is clouded, it is vital to stay close to those whose faith is mature and whose spiritual sight is clear. The company we keep can either limit or expand our spiritual perception. God often uses relationships to pass on revelation and encouragement, so we must be intentional about connecting with people who can see for us until we can see for ourselves. [127:01]
5. Responding to Opposition with Kindness: The story of Elisha and the Aramean army teaches that the most powerful response to those who oppose us is not retaliation, but kindness. Showing mercy to our enemies is a profound act of faith, demonstrating our confidence that God is our ultimate defender. This kind of grace confounds the enemy and testifies to the strength of the God we serve. [02:17:12]
** [137:12]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[03:11] - The Blood of Jesus: Our Foundation
[11:03] - Prayer and Assurance
[19:01] - Joy in the House
[24:08] - Praising Our Savior
[34:07] - The Redeemed: Testimonies of Faith
[39:15] - Pressing On Through Difficulty
[49:09] - Family, Prayer, and Community
[56:41] - God Adds to the Church
[94:20] - Spiritual Blindness and Division
[99:55] - God’s Revelation to Elisha
[106:38] - Lord, Open Our Eyes
[109:39] - Faith, Imagination, and the Unseen
[120:57] - Prayer as the Key to Revelation
[127:01] - The Power of Faithful Relationships
[137:12] - Kindness Over Retaliation
[139:34] - Victory Through Faith
[143:49] - Invitation to Faith
[150:18] - Restoration in the Potter’s House
[159:27] - Final Blessing and Benediction

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

2 Kings 6:8-23 (ESV) — (The story of Elisha, his servant, and the Aramean army)

2. Hebrews 11:1 (ESV)
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”

3. 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (ESV)
“For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”

Observation Questions

In 2 Kings 6, what was the servant’s initial reaction when he saw the Aramean army surrounding them? What did Elisha do in response? ([01:43:23])
According to the sermon, what did Elisha pray for his servant, and what happened as a result? ([01:46:38])
How does Hebrews 11:1 define faith, and how does this connect to what Elisha and his servant experienced?
What did Elisha instruct the king of Israel to do when the Aramean army was delivered into their hands? ([02:17:12])

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think the servant could only see the danger, while Elisha could see God’s protection? What does this say about spiritual vision? ([01:46:38])
The sermon says, “Faith is not denial of reality, but the ability to see God’s possibilities in the midst of impossibility.” How does this challenge the way we usually respond to problems? ([01:49:39])
The pastor mentioned that spiritual discernment and revelation are not given to the casual seeker, but to those who earnestly seek God in prayer. Why might God choose to reveal more to those who pray persistently? ([02:00:57])
When Elisha told the king to show kindness instead of vengeance to the enemy, what deeper truth about faith and trust in God was being demonstrated? ([02:17:12])

Application Questions

The sermon encouraged us to pray, “Lord, open my eyes.” Is there a situation in your life right now where you feel surrounded or overwhelmed? What would it look like to ask God for spiritual vision in that area? ([01:46:38])
The pastor talked about “spiritual imagination”—the ability to envision God’s intervention even when you can’t see it yet. When was the last time you used your faith to imagine God making a way for you? What keeps you from doing this more often? ([01:49:39])
Prayer was described as the key to unlocking spiritual discernment. What is your current prayer habit like? Is there a specific way you could make prayer a more regular part of your daily routine this week? ([02:00:57])
The sermon highlighted the importance of community—staying close to people whose faith is strong when yours is weak. Who in your life has “spiritual sight” that you can lean on? How can you intentionally connect with them this month? ([02:07:01])
Elisha instructed the king to show kindness to the enemy instead of seeking revenge. Is there someone in your life you are tempted to “get even” with? What would it look like to respond with kindness instead? ([02:17:12])
The pastor said, “If you can’t see God making a way, then what you see has already defeated you.” Is there an area where you’ve stopped expecting God to move? What would it take to renew your hope and faith in that area? ([01:50:17])
Jesus endured the cross by seeing beyond it to the resurrection. Is there a hardship you’re facing where you need to look past the pain and trust in God’s victory? How can you remind yourself of this truth in the coming week? ([02:20:26])

Sermon Clips

When you see the real of what's in front of you, the difference between reacting in fear and resting in faith is having the spiritual perception to see God's unseen presence that is still with you. I don't know know if y' all heard me. I know that what you see is real. Those bills are real, that chemotherapy is real, that that rehab is real, that court date is real, that bank statement is real. I want it to be fake. But this administration is real. It's all real. But if you are going to fend off being demoralized and unnerved and shaken and spiritually weakened by what has come against you, you can't let what you see be all that you see. [01:47:54] (62 seconds) #FaithSeesBeyondFear

If you can't see in the spirit, God stepping in, if you can't see God making a way, if you can't see God bringing you out, then what's in front of you has already won. But is there somebody with some imagination this morning, Is there somebody with some faith this morning, some vision who can better proclaim in the face of what you see that the God who is with me that I can't see still puts me in the rich, in the majority. Because greater is he that's in me, that here that is in the world and his presence with me is more than what's coming against me. [01:51:04] (45 seconds) #ChooseFaithNotFear

``When you learn how to see beyond what you you can see, you'll see that God has already surrounded what is surrounding you. Church folk don't know when to get happy. When you are able to see beyond what you can see, you'll see at first the army that's surrounding you. But then when God opens your eyes, you can see there's another army Surrounding what things has you surrounded. And that'll keep you steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord. [01:53:09] (40 seconds) #PrayerRevealsPresence

The revelation of God's presence and protection didn't come until after there was prayer. All right, here's my question, and I'm moving. When did God's presence show up? Up for the servant to see it? When did it show up? Beloved, God's presence didn't show up in the moment of prayer because Elisha had already saw it. Which means that God had already been there the entire time. Y' all ain't with me. God had always been there. But prayer had to make room in the servant's life for God's presence to be revealed. [01:59:02] (55 seconds) #FaithfulCompanyMatters

If you want to see God more, you have to seek God more. The family has to be a prayerful desire that leads to a prayerful discipline of you seeking God as a part of the regular rhythm of your life. Prayer has to be a holy habit that's programmed into your spirit because there are times when your vision, your understanding, and your outlook won't change about where you are until after you pray. [02:00:01] (41 seconds) #FaithBuildsSight

That's how it is with God in prayer. God won't release revelation when there is no facial recognition. I'm preaching better than y' all saying amen. If God can't detect your eyes, if God doesn't know your face, God says, I won't disclose my revelation. And that's why Jeremiah says that when you call on God, he will answer you and tell you great and mighty things. Here it is that you have never seen and that you have never known. You gotta get your face in God's face. You gotta stay down on your knees. You gotta keep calling on the name of the Lord. [02:03:47] (47 seconds) #GodOpensEyesThroughBlindness

When life has you surrounded and your faith is not at a place yet where it can envision victory beyond what's in front of you, you got to learn how to stay close to people. Are y' all hearing me this morning? You gotta learn how to stay close to people whose faith is mature enough to see for you until you can see for yourself. Listen, church, in seasons like this, you better watch the company you keep. You, you, you. You better pay attention to the tables you sit at and what circles you run in. Because if you are not careful, you can inexp inherit other people's blindness. [02:06:44] (56 seconds) #KillWithKindness

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