October 1st
8 Now the king of Aram was at war with Israel. After conferring with his officers, he said, “I will set up my camp in such and such a place.” 9 The man of God sent word to the king of Israel: “Beware of passing that place, because the Arameans are going down there.” 10 So the king of Israel checked on the place indicated by the man of God. Time and again Elisha warned the king, so that he was on his guard in such places.11 This enraged the king of Aram. He summoned his officers and demanded of them, “Will you not tell me which of us is on the side of the king of Israel?” 12 “None of us, my lord the king,” said one of his officers, “but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the very words you speak in your bedroom.” 13 “Go, find out where he is,” the king ordered, “so I can send men and capture him.” The report came back: “He is in Dothan.” 14 Then he sent horses and chariots and a strong force there. They went by night and surrounded the city. 15 When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh, my lord, what shall we do?” the servant asked. 16 “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” 17 And Elisha prayed, “O LORD , open his eyes so he may see.” Then the LORD opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. 18 As the enemy came down toward him, Elisha prayed to the LORD , “Strike these people with blindness.” So he struck them with blindness, as Elisha had asked. 2 Kings 6:11-18 NIV
Elisha was a man who walked with God. Elisha was just a man, made of flesh and blood like we are. His greatness was not in the incredible works that God performed through him, but rather, it was in the fact that he believed and obeyed God. The above incident shows us how God blessed Elisha and used him as a result of his faith and obedience.
God gave Elisha the “gift of knowledge” (1 Corinthians 12:8-11; 1 Corinthians 14:6), by which he knew King Aram’s secret plans. With that gift, he was able to advise the King of Israel in foiling Aram’s every move. When the siege started, God gave Elisha “spiritual vision” to see the armies of heaven protecting him. This no doubt helped Elisha remain calm and confident in the face of the enemy siege. When Elisha prayed, God answered him by opening his servant’s eyes and blinding the enemy’s army.
Are you frequently in situations where it seems like you are surrounded by the enemy? While we may not be facing a crisis as large as what Elisha was facing, it can certainly seem that way to us. We have the opportunity to look at such situations as opportunities to exercise our faith and obey God, rather than responding with fear.
When I’m being surrounded and taunted by the enemy, I am tempted to look at my adversaries and cower in fear. When that happens, I find it helpful to follow Elisha’s example:
- Remind myself that God is with me and has given me spiritual gifts that can be instrumental in overcoming the enemy (1 John 4:4, John 8:29, Spiritual Gifts)
- Pray “O LORD, open my eyes so I may see,” so that my spiritual vision is engaged.
- Remind myself that God has sent his angels to help me: “The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.” Psalm 34:7 NIV (also Psalm 91:9-12)
Questions for further thought:
What is the difference between fear and faith?
The Bible describes the devil as a roaring lion looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). How has the enemy tried to paralyze you with his roar?
What are the spiritual gifts that God has given you? How might these be useful in fighting the enemy?
Prayer:
“Father God, Thank you for sending your Holy Spirit to live in me. Thank you that you are greater than the evil one and any situation I might face today. I stand in faith, believing in your word. I thank you that you have not left me alone and give me daily opportunities to join you in your kingdom work. Please open my spiritual eyes and ears, that I may be sensitive to your leading. Teach me how to employ the spiritual gifts you’ve given me for your kingdom work. Thank you, Father! In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.”