Imagine an entire army dispatched to bring in one lone prophet of God who had no visible means of protection! That is what happened to Elisha. One morning his servant was going about his daily duties when he glanced out a window and was stunned to see Syrian army forces camped around Dothan. He probably reacted much as we might have. He wrung his hands and cried out, “What to do? Oh, what to do?”
Calmly, Elisha replied to his distraught servant: “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” And Elisha prayed, and said, “Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” Then 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” (2 Kings 6:16-17).
The servant was viewing the whole situation through earthly eyes. Danger surrounded him and his master. Death, he probably thought, was imminent. He was certain they were all going to die! But Elisha looked out the window with spiritual eyes and with confidence in the protection of Jehovah-Ganan, the Lord our Defense. Elijah’s response was faith-based. God worked a miracle and blinded the enemy army. After the king of Israel treated them kindly, they stopped attack God’s Chosen People.
The outlook of Elisha’s servant changed dramatically once he was made fully aware of God’s protection over His people. What a blessing and what joy there was in the Israelites’ camp as their enemy was turned back, and God prevailed!
Storms do come to us even though we would much prefer that God hold them at bay. However as someone said, “Sometimes God calms the storm; sometimes He lets the storm rage and calms His child.” If you, like me, have ever seen God’s profound protection during times of tremendous trouble, you have benefited from an unfathomable grasp of His divine protection that may have been missed had He simply spoke, “Peace, be still,” to the storm. It is in these times that our faith is multiplied, and we receive new and awe-inspiring awareness of God and His matchless love. God’s mercy and shield are more than enough to keep us safe in the stormiest of situations. Just remember, “The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms” (Deuteronomy 33:27).
God never abandons or forsakes us. We may not be able to see Him at work, but that does not mean He is not there. Our faith is not based on what is visible in the natural, but on what is promised in the supernatural. I encourage you today to stand in faith, no matter what happens around you.
