Eyes Wide Open In Faith Or Fear?

I was praying for someone to be able to “see as God sees”.

It was revealed to me by the Holy Spirit that this person was being “driven by fear”.

It occurred to me that our eyes can be WIDE OPEN because of FEAR or because of FAITH!

As we gaze upon fear or faith our eyes grow wide as we take it all in and become literally filled with one or the other. The deeper and longer we gaze upon fear or faith the greater the impact upon us.

Think of the expression of extreme fear! Is it not eyes startled wide open?

Now think of the expression of great faith.

Jesus has a habit of inspiring the look of astonishment, of eyes wide open in amazement!

“And the men were AMAZED and said, “What sort of person is this? Even the winds and the sea obey Him!” -Matthew 8:27

Our eyes are made wide open by FAITH, or by FEAR!

Now the point of all this is simply that what’s inside is going to be expressed on the outside. Faith and fear both have the tendency to fill us. Thus the expressions, “I am filled with faith” or “I am filled with fear.”

Faith and fear are two things that are hard to hide because when present they capture and take over our heart. They also have a way of showing on our face and coming out in our life!

When we are being driven by fear it is because we have stopped looking to Jesus.

“But when he [Peter] saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted.” -Matthew 14:30

Peter had the look of terror, his eyes wide open with fear!

It wasn’t long, however, before Peter had the look of faith. And so did everyone else in the boat! Like fear, faith is contagious! They saw what Jesus did, were in awe, and worshiped Him!

“Then those who were in the boat worshiped Him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” -Matthew 14:33

If you follow Jesus around the scriptures, you’ll find that He’s constantly amazing and astonishing people! He kind of has a habit of doing that! Jesus is constantly calming the storm of fear by replacing it with faith in Himself!

Think of the paralyzing effect of fear. It can literally stop us in our tracks and make us afraid to make any move.

Contrast that with the freeing effects of faith!

“He jumped up, stood on his feet, and began to walk! Then, walking, leaping, and praising God, he went into the Temple with them.” -Acts 3:8

Life experience and fear would tell a man lame from birth that he would never be able to walk again- faith said otherwise!

If you will follow around people who follow Jesus you will begin to hear many stories of people once held down by fear, who are now walking, leaping and praising God!

Fear is erased, and faith ignited, by getting a good look at Jesus!

May your eyes be wide open to see Him!