There was no hope in sight. Armies surrounded Elisha on all sides. He had not way of defending himself. Fear gripped the city.
2 Kings 6:16 He said, 'Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.' Then Elisha prayed and said, 'O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see.' So the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots all around Elisha.
Elisha knew a few things that gave him courage beyond any earthly strength.
First, Elisha knew the Lord's armies are greater than any earthly power. He saw with vision few people possess. The God who created and sustains all things holds the world in his hands. He allows nations to survive and thrive based on his plan and purposes. The Lord can stop atrocities from happening in a moment in time. The Lord can turn any tragedy into a victory for his kingdom. He is the Lord.
Second, Elisha knew his only source of defense was to enter the presence of God. Elisha was not deceived into thinking he was in control. He was aware that the Lord's armies were available to the servant of the Lord for the purpose of the Lord. He responded to this distressing situation with prayer.
Thirdly, Elisha knew God was on his side. Elisha trusted the Lord and followed the Lord wholeheartedly. He put his life in the Lord's hand many times before and the Lord came through. Elisha's peace and foundation was in his relationship with God Almighty.
What about you? What about me?
To be sure, we are in a different time and context in God's Kingdom. We are in the age of the church. Our purpose is to spread the gospel message, not overthrow kings. None of us are prophets in the same way Elisha was a prophet.
But the God of Elisha is the same God we serve today. Our understanding of the Lord's power should be the same as Elisha's. We should find our foundation in the Lord just the same. We should turn to him in prayer just the same. We should trust he is on our side just the same. We should follow the Lord intimately just the same.
The Lord is our King. He is good. He is almighty. He will not abandon us even after we die. Amen.
Taken from reading 2 Kings 6-10
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