Nancy Hughes: Eyes to see the army

 

“Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are
more than those who are with them.”

II Kings 6:16 (NIV)

My five-year-old grandson was excited about starting pre-school but nervous about not doing well on his entrance exam. His mother had prepared him with encouragement. “Just do your best and you will be fine,” she told him.

Jude sat down on the tiny chair in the classroom and waited quietly for the pre-school teacher to start the screening. The first question appeared to be an easy one: “Jude, what would you do if you walked into a dark room?” she asked. He never hesitated for one second as he replied “Panic!”

We see a similar response from the servant of Elisha the prophet in II Kings 6:15. The Aram king was at war with Israel but he was unable to inflict damage because every time he made a decision, Elisha would let the king of Israel know the plans of his enemy. This enraged Aram’s king to the point that he decided to send a huge army in the darkness of night to surround the city where Elisha and his servant were staying so he could capture them.

Elisha’s servant woke up to chariots, horses and men surrounding the city. The servant knew the odds were not good at all and he was on the verge of all out panic. In fear he asked Elisha “Oh, my lord, what shall we do?”

But Elisha calmed his servant by telling him that “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” (II Kings 6:16) He then asked the Lord to open the eyes of his servant so he could see the host of angels with chariots and horses, waiting to obey God’s command.

Can you imagine the expression on his servant’s face as he looked around and saw the huge holy army ready to do battle? The panic in the servant’s heart would instantly be replaced by calm. Are you wondering how this applies to you?

What “dark room” are you entering today? In what “city” are you surrounded by an army positioned to attack? Are you afraid because of a situation at work that threatens to overtake you or a relationship at home that appears hopeless? Are you frightened as you look at the world and what the future may hold for you and your family?

Please do not panic! Just because you cannot see answers with your physical eyes, do not count out the warrior Jesus Christ. He is beside us, protecting, directing, defending and doing battle on our behalf. Just as He sent reinforcements to Elisha, Jesus stands ready to do battle for us, His children. Trust Him to one day allow you to have eyes to see the army.

Father, thank you for your protection of my family and me. I praise you for doing battle for us against the enemy. Help me to not panic and be fearful but to trust in you. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

R.A.P. it up . . .

Reflect

Have you ever faced a situation that did not appear to have a good outcome?

Was your first response to panic or pray? Why?


Apply

Carry today’s power verses on note cards in your purse or pocket.

When fear and panic threaten to attack, pull out your cards and thank the Lord for the promise and encouragement in each verse.

Power

II Kings 6:16 (NIV) “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”

Psalm 56:3 (NIV) “When I am afraid, I will trust in you…”

Hebrews 13:6 (NIV): “So we can say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?”

(For more of Nancy Hughes' writing, check out her blog, Encouragement from the War Room.)