The Power of Eye Contact
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.”
- Proverbs 17:17 NLT
Earlier this year, I had a dream where I was walking with a man who was still heavily bound by drugs and alcohol. I could tell by his appearance that he had been trapped in this cycle for many years. He was tired, weary, and beat down. Track marks, bloodshot eyes, physically depleted to the point that he looked like death was lurking right around the corner. I knew instinctively that I needed to stay close to the hurting man.
As we were walking, all of a sudden there were demons everywhere. It was like we entered a haunted house or onto some kind of a haunted walk. The demons knew the man I was walking with was weaker and more vulnerable to their schemes. They could smell and taste his weakness. He was their target. I can still see the cruel evil look on their faces. They were bloodthirsty. Like a pack of wolves ready to pounce their prey, they found pleasure in his brokenness.
Their main goal was to divide us. But as long as we stayed close together, we were both okay. As the attacks persisted, I knew I had to fight to keep eye contact with the struggling man. The demons were relentless in trying to tear us apart. Eye contact was the key to keeping us together and to getting the man sober. Whatever has your attention is what has you. The demons wanted his attention. They wanted to cripple the man with intimidation and fear. But as long as we could keep eye contact with each other, we would have the strength needed to persevere.
Then I woke up from the dream and immediately knew God was speaking to me. I knew the Lord was giving an important message and reminder on the power and the importance of eye contact.
When those who are spiritually stronger walk with the weak and struggling, the weak and struggling will soon be walking in victory. Walking together is about building relationships with others. Walking through life TOGETHER is how we stay victorious in warfare. Walking together is one of the greatest protectors we have against the schemes of the enemy. The demons in the dream weren't going to win because the man was no longer alone. All we had to do was keep eye contact. Plus, you can't keep bullying someone who has a big brother or sister by their side. Can I get an Amen! We are called to walk hand in hand with others. We must stay close. Our stride must be - side by side. It’s been said and sung by many that no man is an island. We need each other!
I love this quote on friendship from C.S. Lewis:
“Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another, ‘What! You too? I thought I was the only one.’”
The things God brings you through are the things you have the honor and privilege of helping others walk through. When they know that you understand because you were once bound just like them - God begins to forge a supernatural bond between you. He knits your hearts together with strong ties of love and compassion.
Now back to eye contact. Eye contact speaks of intimacy and vulnerability. This can only happen when we refuse to isolate. We have to stop listening to "pride’s lie" that says we can make it on our own. We need each other. Discipleship is crucial in these days. Walking together is crucial in these days. Friendship is crucial in these days. You won’t make it far trying to walk alone. You won’t find freedom without leaning on the right friends.
If you're in the midst of a sin struggle or some kind of addiction, start hanging out with those who have found some freedom. You can't fix yourself. Don’t let shame keep you shackled in isolation. It's ok to need help. Let me say that one more time - IT’S OK TO NEED HELP! As you walk in these new relationships the chains will fall off and the gang of demons that's been sent to destroy you will scatter. God gives us brothers and sisters to help us stay resilient in the face of adversity.
If you've found some freedom from sin and other addictions, find those who are still weak in those areas and begin to walk with them. You were rescued to rescue others. Help guard them against the attacks of satan. Good friends are shields. Open up your heart, make eye contact, and share your testimony with others.
I want to close out this blog by giving you 3 scriptures to ponder:
"God places the lonely in families; he sets the prisoners free and gives them joy."
- Psalms 68:6a NLT
"Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, For he has no one to help him up."
- Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 NKJV
"As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend."
- Proverbs 27:17 NKJV
Written by Travis Habbershon