We live in a world that often insists, “If you can’t see it, it isn’t real.” Our culture prizes what’s visible, tangible, and scientifically provable. But Scripture tells us again and again that there’s far more going on around us than we can perceive with our physical senses.
Unseen battles. Unseen forces. Unseen help.
Many of us—even those who follow Christ—drift through life unaware of the spiritual war being waged all around us. We get caught up in the stress of deadlines, the grief of loss, the uncertainty of our futures, and the pain of feeling alone. But what if we’re not alone? What if we’re just not seeing clearly?
📖 The Story of Elisha and the Chariots of Fire
In 2 Kings 6, Elisha’s servant wakes up one morning to find that their city is surrounded by an enemy army. He panics—and understandably so! From all outward appearances, they’re hopelessly outnumbered.
But Elisha responds with calm assurance:
“Don’t be afraid. Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”
What had seemed like certain defeat was, in fact, a situation completely under God’s control. Protection had been there all along—it just hadn’t been visible. At least not to Elisha’s servant, or to anyone who didn’t have eyes open enough to see.
👁️ Spiritual Warfare Is Real
Ephesians 6:12 reminds us of what’s really going on:
There’s a very real battle happening beyond our sight. The enemy of our souls wants to discourage us, divide us, and destroy our faith. But God doesn’t leave us defenseless. He equips us and surrounds us with spiritual resources—even angelic protection—that we often overlook.
I find it humorous how Halloween and Christmas pageant costumes have devolved so far from the way they are depicted in the Bible. Nearly every time an angel appears to a human in the Bible, the first thing he says to the person is, “Don’t be afraid.” Based on this, I imagine that angels must be terrifying to behold—a far cry from a toddler adorned with a white robe and little wings.
As a case in point, there’s a passage in 2 Kings that depicts how terrifying angels must be. During King Hezekiah’s reign, Jerusalem was under threat by the Assyrian army under Sennacherib. Hezekiah prayed, and God sent an angel—who doesn’t even warrant having his name mentioned—who wiped out the enemy army in one night!
That night the angel of the Lord went out and put to death a hundred and eighty-five thousand in the Assyrian camp. When the people got up the next morning—there were all the dead bodies!
And I don’t imagine that Satan and the other fallen angels would be any less frightening if we could see them. Demons are probably very scary as well. Most likely, none of them are comical or even sexy, like they are often portrayed.
⚔️ We’re Not Fighting Alone
Psalm 34:7 gives us this encouragement:
“The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.” — Psalm 34:7 (NIV)
Jesus Himself reassured His disciples (and us) of His presence, even when He returned to heaven:
“Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” — Matthew 28:20b (NIV)
And Hebrews reminds us:
“Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?” — Hebrews 1:14 (NIV)
You are not alone. Not now. Not ever.
🙏 Pray for Eyes to See
So, if you’re overwhelmed… If it feels like you’re surrounded by enemies—be they spiritual, emotional, or physical… If you’re feeling like there’s nobody to talk to about your trials or who understands your challenges… If you’re discouraged and wondering whether God sees what you’re going through…
Pray this simple prayer: “Lord, open my eyes.”
Ask Him to reveal the spiritual reality. Ask Him to show you the protection you didn’t realize was there. Ask Him to allow you to perceive the One who walks beside you, listening to your whispered prayers. Ask Him to help you trust—not just what you see—but what He has promised.
📯 Closing Thoughts
Let’s not go through life believing only in what we can touch or measure. Let’s not underestimate the reality of spiritual warfare—or the power of God’s help.
You may feel outnumbered, outmatched, alone, or overwhelmed. But there are chariots of fire all around you. There is a King who fights on your behalf. There is a Host of heaven that marches at His command.
Master's Canvas - Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter 