See

<<observe, perceive>>

Besides the ability to observe with our physical eyes we should look beyond the physical aspect to perceive the real spiritual implications and so “understand the times” to determine the way we should go and the real issues involved – the root cause or why things are a particular way (1 Chr 12:32). We are so attuned to receiving input via our

Look beyond the obvious – can you see God’s purpose?

natural senses that it is difficult to transition to the spiritual dimension and view things as they really are, for what is being outworked in the physical world is a reflection of what is happening in the unseen spirit realm. Elisha prayed for his servant, “O Lord, open his [spiritual] eyes [of faith] that he may see” (2 Kgs 6:8-17). Any God-given revelation seen in a vision will be in agreement with Scripture (Joel 2:28). When God asks, “What do you see?” He is pointing to a deeper aspect or meaning than what is initially perceived (Jer 1:11; Amos 7:8; Dan 8:15-17). Much of our Christian effort is expended in the visible natural realm, struggling against the evil spiritual forces, whereas the Bible instructs us to fight with the effective spiritual weapons in the spiritual contest (Eph 6:10-18).

The gift of discerning spirits is another level of seeing and understand things beyond what is readily observable to the natural mind (1 Cor 12:10). Visions are future events impressed on our minds when we are awake, as opposed to dreams that occur when we are asleep. God said visions and dreams would be given for our benefit (Joel 2:8). However, this extra dimension of receiving messages can come from both God and evil sources, therefore whatever is received in our minds should be reviewed or tested against the standard of God’s Word (Jer 14:14; 1 Jn 4:1).