Today’s Reading: 2 Kings 6:8-17

Last weekend, I was really struggling with some false information that had been posted about the non-profit ministry I lead, and therefore about me. I tried to clear up what I initially had hoped was just a misunderstanding, only to find that it was simply an angry attack with no regard to the truth. I walked away from the conversation with a heavy burden. I longed for justice for me, for my coworkers, and for the amazing women we serve, but knew I needed to simply put it in the hands of God and trust Him with the results.

On Sunday morning, we visited Central Church of the Nazarene in Lenexa and I prayed that the Lord would renew my spirit and give me a word from Him. And as He often does, God faithfully ministered to me through His words, and on this particular day through the words of Pastor Sam Barber. He took a passage of scripture I have read many times and gave me a new perspective on how to handle the battle that shows up on our front door. I’d like to soak in this passage for the next two mornings.

When the king of Aram was at war with Israel, he would confer with his officers and say, “We will mobilize our forces at such and such a place.” But immediately Elisha, the man of God, would warn the king of Israel, “Do not go near that place, for the Arameans are planning to mobilize their troops there.” So the king of Israel would send word to the place indicated by the man of God. Time and again Elisha warned the king, so that he would be on the alert there. The king of Aram became very upset over this. — 2 Kings 6:8-11a

The attack of the enemy on God’s people was not a once and done occurrence, it was consistent. Over and over again, the king of Aram would plot against the nation of Israel. Each time, God would warn His people of the coming danger so that they could be prepared for the potential battle. But the king of Aram got tired of losing, and his frustration grew. He narrowed his attention on the prophet Elisha and set out to destroy him.

So one night the king of Aram sent a great army with many chariots and horses to surround the city. When the servant of the man of God got up early the next morning and went outside, there were troops, horses, and chariots everywhere. “Oh, sir, what will we do now?” the young man cried to Elisha. “Don’t be afraid!” Elisha told him. “For there are more on our side than on theirs!” — 2 Kings 6:14-16

What a great reminder during these difficult days! Standing on the foundation of biblical truths can draw a lot of negative attention, and we can find ourselves surrounded by those who oppose us. No matter our efforts to live out the love of God, we are accused of building a culture of hate. We strive for holiness and excellence in all that we do, yet we are bombarded by criticism and lies. When the enemy is pressing in, we need to hear the words, “Don’t be afraid.” When it seems like we are outnumbered, we need to be reminded that there are more on our side than on theirs.

Then Elisha prayed, “O Lord, open his eyes and let him see!” The Lord opened the young man’s eyes, and when he looked up, he saw that the hillside around Elisha was filled with horses and chariots of fire. — 2 Kings 6:17

Elisha prayed for God to open the eyes of the young man and God answered his prayer. Father God, when we are overwhelmed by our circumstances, open our eyes to see your faithfulness. When it feels like we are losing the battle, give us eyes to see your army surrounding us. When we are prone to fear, give us peace. When we feel like the burden to win rests on our shoulders, remind us that the battle belongs to you. Your mercy is new each morning, so we wait quietly for you as we place our hope in you and you alone.

The faithful love of the Lord never ends!
His mercies never cease.
Great is His faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.
I say to myself, “The Lord is my inheritance;
Therefore, I will hope in him!”
The Lord is good to those who depend on him,
to those who search for him.
So it is good to wait quietly
for salvation from the Lord. — Lamentations 3:22-26

You gave me joy for mourning / Now hope is my testimony / The grave I was in You emptied / I can’t help but sing it / Great is Your faithfulness / New are Your mercies / Oh how steadfast Your Love / I love to sing about it [I Love to Sing About It / Maverick City Music / TRIBL] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_75HpVSoCjA