Do not observe lying vanities

When God promised that she would bear a child, Sarah struggled to believe it. Over time, her focus shifted from God’s promise to her physical limitations and circumstances.

There was a time when the Lord visited me, and it was an amazing encounter. Yet, amidst the glory of His presence, I became distracted. Instead of focusing on the Angels, I began to fix my gaze on the devil. The more I observed the enemy, the larger he appeared, until he overshadowed my vision of those angels.

This experience mirrors the story of Sarah in Genesis. When God promised that she would bear a child, Sarah struggled to believe it. Over time, her focus shifted from God’s promise to her physical limitations and circumstances. She reasoned that perhaps God’s promise wasn't meant for her. She gave Hagar to Abraham, creating a substitute for what God had planned, because she couldn’t see herself as the mother of the promised child.

Just like Sarah, we often lose sight of God's word when we observe lying vanities. These are the doubts, fears, and distractions that distort our faith and make us question God's promises.

The Vision That Changed Everything: I remember vividly in this vision , the angels surrounded me. It was one of the most awe-inspiring encounters of my life. Yet, even in that divine moment, I allowed my focus to shift. Instead of marveling at the presence of the angels, I began to look at the enemy. Suddenly, the enemy seemed so large that the angels around me seemed to vanish from sight.

This is the reality for many of us. We are so consumed by our struggles—our past hurts, current challenges, and looming fears—that we fail to see the hand of God at work. We become blinded to His promises, even when they are right in front of us.

What does it mean to observe lying vanities? In that moment of distraction, one of the angels rebuked me with these words: "Do not observe lying vanities."

This phrase struck me deeply. It was unfamiliar at the time, but as I studied Jonah 2:8 in the morning after the vision, I came to understand its meaning: Observing lying vanities is turning our attention to the shadows of the enemy, the illusions of fear, and the doubts that contradict God’s truth.

Isaiah asks, "Whose report will you believe?" (Isaiah 53:1). The enemy's lies are designed to overshadow God's promises. But when we focus on what God has said, His grace becomes evident, and His promises come to life.

God's Promise Is for Isaac, Not Ishmael: Sarah's story reminds us that God’s promises are not birthed through human effort or substitutes. Ishmael was a product of the flesh—an attempt to fulfill God’s promise through human reasoning. But the promise was for Isaac, the child of faith .

How often do we create our own “Ishmaels,” pursuing substitutes because we doubt God’s timing or ability? Yet, God’s grace is sufficient to fulfill His word.

Shift Your Focus to God's Word: If you’re in a place where the enemy’s lies feel overwhelming, I encourage you to shift your focus. Stop looking at your circumstances, your failures, or your fears. Instead, look to God’s promises. His word is true, and His power is more than enough to bring it to pass.

As I reflect on my vision, I realise that the angels never left. God’s presence never disappeared. It was my focus on the enemy that blinded me to His glory. Today, I choose to believe God’s report, and I encourage you to do the same.

Let us cast out the “child of the bondwoman” (Galatians 4:30)—those things birthed from the flesh—and embrace the promise of Isaac.

God has not forgotten you. His promises will be fulfilled. Do not observe lying vanities. Trust in His word, and you will see His glory manifest in your life.

Prayer: Father, thank You for Your promises. Forgive me for the times I’ve focused on distractions and doubted Your word. Help me to fix my eyes on You and trust in Your faithfulness. I receive Your promise today, and I declare that it will be fulfilled in Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Topics