READING: 2 Kings 5-8
TEXTS AND APPLICATION: It was a frightening time for Elisha’s servant, who saw only the massive Aramean army of horses and chariots surrounding Dothan. His question to Elisha was an honest one: “Oh, my master, what are we to do?” (2 Kgs. 6:18). It is Elisha’s response that gives me strength today:
2 Kgs. 6:16-17 Elisha said, “Don’t be afraid, for those who are with us outnumber those who are with them.” Then Elisha prayed, “Lord, please open his eyes and let him see.” So the Lord opened the servant’s eyes. He looked and saw that the mountain was covered with horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
God struck the Arameans with blindness and brought a temporary peace. Some time later, forces of the same country again laid siege to Samaria, and God again graciously granted victory to His people. This time, He drove the Arameans from their own camp when they heard the supernatural sound of armies gathering against them:
2 Kgs. 7:5b-6a When they came to the camp’s edge, they discovered that there was not a single man there, for the Lord had caused the Aramean camp to hear the sound of chariots, horses, and a great army.
As we face the reality of spiritual battles today, I need the reminders that the armies of God outnumber the forces against us. I need faith to see what I cannot see (the forces around us) and hear what I cannot hear (the sounds of God’s army protecting us).
PRAYER: Let’s pray today that we will never think we are alone and outnumbered — because we never are.
TOMORROW’S READING: 2 Kings 9-11