Sent: Monday, January 14, 2002
Subject: You Are Never Outnumbered!
Good Morning Ethan & Emily:
It is very easy to feel alone in this busy, often impersonal world. Even though we know we have the presence of the Holy Spirit within us, there are times when we can still feel that we are fighting life’s battles unassisted.
But this is not true…and one of my favorite Biblical passages is 2 Kings 6 where Elisha makes his servant a “believer” in the presence and power of spiritual forces all around us. At the time this incident occurred, the nation of Israel had split into two kingdoms: Israel in the north and Judah to the south. The two kingdoms had begun to slide into idolatry, and judgment and captivity were just over the horizon.
Throughout this period, there were prophets of God who stood for truth and challenged the people to repent and return to righteous living. One of these prophets was Elisha, and he valiantly stood against evil in the northern kingdom and performed several interesting and notable miracles (i.e., ax head floated, widow’s oil multiplied, etc.).
In the situation we find him this morning, the enemy King of Aram has sent his army to capture Elisha, as his intelligence has discovered that Elisha has been telling the King of Israel all his battle plans. He sends his army to capture Elisha and they take up their positions during the night. In the early morning, Elisha’s servant stepped outside and is struck with fear when he sees this “great army with many chariots and horses (v. 14).” In utter astonishment, he cried out to Elisha: “‘Ah, my lord, what will we do now?’ ‘Don’t be afraid!’ Elisha told him. ‘For there are more on our side than on theirs!’ Then Elisha prayed, ‘O Lord, open his eyes and let him see!’ The Lord opened his servant’s eyes, and when he looked up, he saw that the hillside around Elisha was filled with horses and chariots of fire.” (vv. 8 – 17)
Elisha’s servant was no longer afraid when he saw this great heavenly army. And even so today God could open our eyes to see these heavenly forces…but it is definitely by faith that we comprehend the reality that God has spiritual resources working on our behalf even though we cannot see them.
As we look through the “eyes of faith” the problems and conflicts in our lives that seem overwhelming and insurmountable…are “defeated” as we as we see God marshaling the spiritual armies of Heaven on our behalf. He promises to protect us, and we must fully realize that even when it seems nothing is happening, God is always working on our behalf!
Do read what happened to the Aramean army in the latter half of chapter 6.
Remember…as a child of God, you are never alone. The Holy Spirit is your comforter and guide within, and you have the entire armies of Heaven without encamped and ready for action all around you.
We have a wonderful God and Protector! Live at peace today without fear, knowing He loves you and cares for you. You are never outnumbered!!
All my love,
Dad