FACT VERSUS REALITY
I was experiencing pain on my left side and back for several days so checked out on the internet what maybe could be the cause. According to reliable medical sources this could have been an indication of kidney stones, or worst case scenario, kidney cancer. Their prudent advice was to make an appointment with one’s doctor if one had any signs and symptoms that were a worry. Following checks that included an ultrasound and a colonoscopy, I was diagnosed with an infection of the colon that was simply treated with antibiotics.
The problem with cold statistics from sources such as the internet is that we can easily match up the facts with a wrong reality irrespective of how legitimate the information may be. That is why we have trained and experienced medical practitioners to review each patient case by case according to one’s unique profile.
The point is that the facts may not always be the reality and can be misleading and destructive. This is also true of spiritual realities in our relationship with God. If we veer away from His Word as our primary benchmark in all things we can easily become prone to believing half-truths or facts that misrepresent the reality. Take the case in Scripture concerning Elisha and his servant.
Ben-Hadad, King of Syria and enemy of Israel, sought to destroy Elisha, his servant and all the inhabitants of Dothan who had surrounded the city. The situation was hopeless and Elisha’s servant articulated the despair that everyone in Dothan felt.
He observed that the army had surrounded the city, and cried out in alarm to Elisha:
“Alas, my master! What shall we do?”
What Elisha said next astounded his servant:
“Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them!”
Then Elisha prayed and said,
“O Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.’ The Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he saw; and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.”
God delivered Elisha and the people of Dothan in an amazing way.
Fact One: The Syrian forces had surrounded Dothan. Reality: The army of God was present to protect Elisha and the Israelites from harm.
Fact Two: The situation appeared hopeless for the inhabitants of Dothan.
Reality: God is infinitely greater than the enemy.
Fact Three: Who is there to deliver us?
Reality: God is our Deliverer.
The Syrian army was struck blind and led into the city of Dothan where their sight was restored. They now found themselves completely at the mercy of Israel. Elisha instructed the king to feed and release them! Ben-Hadad was so terrified by the experience that he cancelled any further plans for conquest.
Whatever may be your ‘diagnosis’ today, make sure that you receive it from God’s perspective, for this will be your sure hope that will be an anchor for your soul.
