Only when we can no longer strive in the battle for earthly honors or material wealth, do we turn to the unseen but more enduring things of life; and, with ears deafened by the din of selfish war and cruel violence, and eyes blinded by the glare of passing pomp and folly, we strive to hear and see the things we have so long refused to consider.”
–Harold Bell Wright (The Shepherd of the Hills)
“While we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.”
–2 Corinthians 4:18 (NKJV)
——————————
“God’s interpretation is bigger than the storm.”
–Dr. Mike Minter
Yes, I want to spend some more time contemplating that statement. Yesterday we looked at the idea of God seeing things from a different perspective. In reality, He sees things from all perspectives; all perspectives imaginable. Think of that–He understands where you are coming from. He understands where your opponent is coming from. He even sees any other possible alternative. He knows the mood and attitude you are in during the demands in front of you, and understands them. That does not mean He likes them or approves of them, but He understands–He is the God who is there beside you.
There is another perspective–that is the unknown. God sees into the unknown, the spirit realm. We read in 2 Kings 6:
.15 And when the servant of the man of God arose early and went out, there was an army, surrounding the city with horses and chariots. And his servant said to him, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?”
.16 So he answered, “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”
.17 And Elisha prayed, and said, “LORD, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” Then 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.” (NKJV)
Now, I’m not sure that Elisha actually saw the host on the mountain, but he knew–get that, he knew they were there. His perspective came from faith. He did not have to look into the spirit realm to see them, but God allowed the young servant a glimpse. David penned, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4, NKJV) David didn’t have to see into the spirit world, because he had a Spirit perspective. Jesus, before His accusers said, “Or do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels?” (Matthew 26:53, NKJV) Jesus had a different perspective than those that came to arrest Him that night.
People go astray in their heart because they look at the things of God with worldly eyes. Their hearts are inclined to do what is right in their own eyes rather than what the Lord would have for them. The world cannot understand you because of their perspective. Paul writes, “But the unspiritual person [who does not have the Spirit of God] does not accept [what we teach about] revelatory insights and the gifts of the Spirit of God. For they are folly and nonsense to him/her and [such revelations and teachings] cannot be grasped or understood [by an unspiritual mind] because they are spiritually examined and evaluated.” (1 Corinthians 2:14, Harbuck)
We are surrounded by another world, another realm, that of the supernatural. Now, don’t make this into a hoo-doo thing. We are not to look into the realm of the spirits, for that is of God. The eastern and transcendental thinkers say that the mind should be emptied and then one can enter into the spirit realm. Dangerous, and unbiblical. The Bible teaches that we are to meditate and fill our minds with the Word of God and focus on God Himself. In other words, keep a proper Biblical perspective, for to please God we must have and walk by faith. Walk in faith when the storms come and rage against you knowing that God is there. Know that there is a purpose for the storm, and trust in Him. I am reminded of the great song by Stuart Hamblen:
“Known only to Him are the great hidden secrets,
I’ll fear not the darkness when my flame shall dim.
I know not what the future holds,
But I know who holds the future,
It’s a secret known only to Him.”
——————————
“God’s interpretation is bigger than the storm.”
–Dr. Mike Minter
Yes, I want to spend some more time contemplating that statement. Yesterday we looked at the idea of God seeing things from a different perspective. In reality, He sees things from all perspectives; all perspectives imaginable. Think of that–He understands where you are coming from. He understands where your opponent is coming from. He even sees any other possible alternative. He knows the mood and attitude you are in during the demands in front of you, and understands them. That does not mean He likes them or approves of them, but He understands–He is the God who is there beside you.
There is another perspective–that is the unknown. God sees into the unknown, the spirit realm. We read in 2 Kings 6:
.15 And when the servant of the man of God arose early and went out, there was an army, surrounding the city with horses and chariots. And his servant said to him, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?”
.16 So he answered, “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”
.17 And Elisha prayed, and said, “LORD, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” Then 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.” (NKJV)
Now, I’m not sure that Elisha actually saw the host on the mountain, but he knew–get that, he knew they were there. His perspective came from faith. He did not have to look into the spirit realm to see them, but God allowed the young servant a glimpse. David penned, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4, NKJV) David didn’t have to see into the spirit world, because he had a Spirit perspective. Jesus, before His accusers said, “Or do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels?” (Matthew 26:53, NKJV) Jesus had a different perspective than those that came to arrest Him that night.
People go astray in their heart because they look at the things of God with worldly eyes. Their hearts are inclined to do what is right in their own eyes rather than what the Lord would have for them. The world cannot understand you because of their perspective. Paul writes, “But the unspiritual person [who does not have the Spirit of God] does not accept [what we teach about] revelatory insights and the gifts of the Spirit of God. For they are folly and nonsense to him/her and [such revelations and teachings] cannot be grasped or understood [by an unspiritual mind] because they are spiritually examined and evaluated.” (1 Corinthians 2:14, Harbuck)
We are surrounded by another world, another realm, that of the supernatural. Now, don’t make this into a hoo-doo thing. We are not to look into the realm of the spirits, for that is of God. The eastern and transcendental thinkers say that the mind should be emptied and then one can enter into the spirit realm. Dangerous, and unbiblical. The Bible teaches that we are to meditate and fill our minds with the Word of God and focus on God Himself. In other words, keep a proper Biblical perspective, for to please God we must have and walk by faith. Walk in faith when the storms come and rage against you knowing that God is there. Know that there is a purpose for the storm, and trust in Him. I am reminded of the great song by Stuart Hamblen:
“Known only to Him are the great hidden secrets,
I’ll fear not the darkness when my flame shall dim.
I know not what the future holds,
But I know who holds the future,
It’s a secret known only to Him.”