Focus
Living by faith requires a deliberate shift in our spiritual vision. When we fixate on the scale of our problems, fear dominates our hearts. However, when faith redirects our gaze to the magnitude of God’s presence, our opposition shrinks in comparison to His absolute sovereignty.
2 Kings 6:15–17 (KJV)
“And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do? And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. And Elisha prayed, and said, Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.”
Numbers 13:33 (KJV)
“And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.”
Physical Sight Magnifies the Problem; Faith Magnifies the Presence
When the Syrian army surrounded Dothan, Elisha’s servant evaluated the situation strictly through natural eyes. He saw only horses, chariots, and an overwhelming enemy, leading to instant panic (“Alas, my master! how shall we do?”). Faith does not deny the reality of the enemy or the trial, but it refuses to make the enemy the ultimate reality. Faith recalibrates our perspective so that God—not the obstacle—occupies the center of our view.
Fear Springs from Grasshopper Mentalities
The ten spies sent into Canaan returned with a report dominated by the size of the giants. By focusing entirely on external opposition, they reduced themselves to “grasshoppers” in their own sight. When external circumstances determine your self-worth and power, fear takes control. Faith reverses this view by measuring the difficulty against God’s infinite power rather than human weakness.
The Unseen Army is Always Greater
Elisha’s declaration—”they that be with us are more than they that be with them”—was rooted in spiritual reality, not positive thinking. When God opened the servant’s eyes, he did not see the enemy vanish; he saw the mountain filled with heavenly fire surrounding them. Faith grants us spiritual eyesight to recognize that God’s presence, protection, and promises far outweigh any external threat positioned against us.
Bible Character Example: David Before Goliath
When Goliath stepped onto the battlefield in 1 Samuel 17, the entire army of Israel focused on the magnitude of the giant’s height, armor, and combat history. They saw a monster they could not defeat, so they fled in terror.
David, however, arrived on the scene operating under a completely different focus. He did not measure Goliath against himself; he measured Goliath against the living God.
1 Samuel 17:45 (KJV): “Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.”
David’s faith shifted the entire focus of the battle. He did not see an invincible giant; he saw an uncircumcised Philistine defying Almighty God. Because David’s eye was fixed on the magnitude of God’s covenant presence, Goliath was already defeated before a single stone was thrown.
Conclusion
External opposition will always try to dictate the narrative of your life through fear, intimidation, and overwhelming reports. But true biblical faith is the lens that adjusts your focus. When you stop staring at the enemy and start beholding the Lord of Hosts, fear loses its authority, confidence is restored, and victory becomes clear.
3 Reflection Questions
In what area of your life have you allowed the magnitude of an external obstacle to blind you to God’s presence?
How does viewing your current challenges through the lens of Numbers 13:33 reveal a “grasshopper mentality” in your thinking?
What practical steps can you take daily to fix your gaze on God’s Word and His promises when circumstances seem overwhelming?
Prayer
Lord God Almighty, the Maker of heaven and earth, I thank You because Your presence is greater than any opposition I will ever face.
Forgive me for the times I have allowed the size of my challenges to cause fear in my heart. Today, I ask that You open my eyes, just as You opened the eyes of Elisha’s servant.
Help me to see Your unfailing love, Your surrounding protection, and Your absolute power over every trial.
I fix my eyes on You, knowing that victory belongs to You alone.
In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.