2 Kings 6:8-17 recounts the story of Elisha and his servant being surrounded by the Syrian army. Elisha was a prophet of God and the Syrians were enemies of Israel. The king of Syria sent an army to the city where Elisha lived because he wanted to silence his prophetic gifts. Upon discovering the shocking sight of an army encamped against them, Elisha’s servant asked him “What shall we do?”.
Do not fear
Elisha’s first instruction was not to fear. There is something about letting our fears get the best of us. It causes us to act or respond in ways that do not please God or bring glory to His name.
There are many reasons why we can be at peace and calm in spite of the obstacles and challenges we face on this side of eternity. One reason is because “those who are with us are more than those who are with them (i.e. the enemy)” (v16).
We have to have the proper context!
God has already commanded His angels to protect and defend and guard us in all our ways (Psalm 91:11 AMP). There is a hedge of protection around us constantly and God is always fighting battles on our behalf.
See the situation through spiritual eyes
The next thing Elisha did was pray that God would open his servant’s eyes to see the unseen reality around them (v17). This is the reality that Elisha saw but was hidden from everyone else (including the Syrian army). There was a whole host of heaven ready to intervene on their behalf!
Why is this important and relevant today? There is a spiritual battle constantly taking place around us (Ephesians 6:12). The enemy fights against us with various strategies that all originate in the supernatural realm – marital conflict, financial lack, disease, suicidal thoughts, etc.
However, we too have the host of heaven ready to intervene on our behalf. There are countless examples from the bible of supernatural deliverance when things appeared to be dire. From the parting of the red sea to Daniel in the lion’s den and the 3 Hebrews boys in the fire among others.
It is important that we place more trust and confidence in God and His Word than in what we see. Find scripture references that relate to the situation you are facing and meditate on them day on night. Choose to declare God’s word instead of (and in spite of) what you see. And resist the urge to fear or believe there is no hope.
We live by what we believe, not by what we can see.2 Corinthians 5:7 NCV
Will you live by what you believe or by what you see?
Our Prayer For You
And [we pray] that the eyes of your heart [the very center and core of your being] may be enlightened [flooded with light by the Holy Spirit], so that you will know and cherish the hope [the divine guarantee, the confident expectation] to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints (God’s people),Ephesians 1:18 AMP
Did You Know?
The Apostle Paul exhorted us not to be ignorant of the devil’s schemes and strategies (2 Corinthians 2:11). And we are instructed to put on the whole armor of God that we may be able to stand in the evil day (Ephesians 6:13).
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