Scripture:
2 Kings 6:15-17 ESV
[15] When the servant of the man of God rose early in the morning and went out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was all around the city. And the servant said, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?” [16] He said, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” [17] 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 of fire all around Elisha.
Observation:
Elisha was a mighty man of GOD. Whom the father had used in a mighty way. He had a lot of people who did not care for him and honestly wanted to see him dead. Early one morning, his servant woke up to the camp being surrounded by Syrians and became alarmed. Seemingly, in a panic, he approaches Elisha, wondering what to do. By all appearances, they were surrounded. The Syrian army had posted Chariots and soldiers all around the town they were in. Elisha’s response was more than likely a little strange to the servant. However, to Elisha, it seemed natural. With the utmost confidence, he told the servant not to worry. The LORD’S army had it all under control. I’m sure at this point, the servant looked around with a puzzled expression on his face… and seeing no one looked back at Elisha thinking… master are you ok… there is no one but the army that surrounds us out there. In my mind, I can see Elisha looking back at him, shaking his head… like you don’t even see that the battle is not up to us. The next words out of his mouth were Father open his eyes. The LORD heard Elisha’s request, and the young servants’ eyes were opened. As he looked around and saw the army of GOD standing, Poised to fight, and the Syrian army totally outnumbered, the servants’ confidence had to shoot through the roof.
Application:
the enemy likes for us to be in a panic. He knows if he can get us to react out of fear… we will make the wrong decision. I believe the key to any good decision is to pray first. Asking the LORD to reveal the truth so that the decision made is not based on what we see but on what HE sees. I believe that the LORD is moving things around in the unseen because HE is fighting for you. You may think you are outnumbered, and the circumstances may look impossible. Like those who are there to fight against you are greater than those who are fighting for you. But I want us all to remember the GOD we serve. HIS glory is to be shared with no man… and when things look impossible, look out because the LORD of heaven’s armies are poised to strike. As you look out, all you see is the army of the enemy. Ask GOD to open your spiritual eyes. So that you can see that although, by the world’s standards, you look surrounded. HIS army is way more vast and hundreds of times stronger. Then anything the enemy can throw at you. Over and over again in the Bible, we see GOD people brought to the edge of something impossible… BUT the LORD always shows up… He always comes through… HE never leaves us, nor does HE forget about us. Let me give you some examples… the red sea, the walls of Jericho, Goliath, Manna from heaven, the bronze serpent, the sun standing still in the sky, water from the rock, and Jesus christ just to name a few. So I have to tell you this… our confidence is not in us or what we can do. Our confidence is in the LORD of heavens armies. That should, if nothing else, make you braver than ever before giving you courage beyond your understanding and give you confidence that reaches past your ability to stand. Exodus 14:14 says, “Be still, and know that the LORD is fighting for you.” Let us never look out at what we can see and panic look to the realm you can’t see and stand firm. GOD has got your back, and if GOD is for you, NO ONE can stand against you.
Prayer:
Father, as we look out at this day the you have prepared for us, and the battle that may be in front of us. Help us to see that your army has already won the fight. The one soldier that you sent that was willing to give HIS life for us put an end to any battle we face. We want to stand in confidence knowing that whatever stands against us is way smaller than the one who is fighting for us. Open our spiritual eyes this morning. We want to see how vast your army is so that when we stand suited up for battle with the armor you provide. Fear will not be a part of that stand. Your word tells us to be strong and courageous. That’s our desire. Allow us to see that no matter what we face. You are not surprised by any means, and you are always prepared 4 steps ahead… you are the LORD of heaven’s armies. You stand outside of time. You fought the fight before we ever even saw the battle. So, as we approach the battle. We can approach it in victory because of you. It’s already won it’s already done. It is finished. In the mighty name of Jesus, I pray amen