Day 27 – Greater
I’ve always loved the story of Elisha the prophet and his assistant in 2 Kings 6:8-17.
The king of Aram was waging war against Israel. But every time the king of Aram would plan his attacks, the Lord would reveal the location to Elisha beforehand. Elisha would then warn the king of Israel, enabling the Israelites to be on guard in those places and avoid defeat.
Exasperated, the king of Aram at first thinks he has a traitor among his own ranks. But he learns that Elisha always seems to know his military plans. So he decides to get rid of Elisha, and he sends his massive army with horses and chariots on an all night march that enables them to surround the city of Dothan where Elisha is staying.
The next morning, when Elisha’s assistant sees the army with horses and chariots surrounding the city, and he cries out, “Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?”
The prophet Elisha calmly replies, “Don’t be afraid. Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”
Elisha’s assistant doesn’t see anyone rallying to support and defend them. And those potentially able to help are few. Yet Elisha sees what the assistant cannot see.
So Elisha prays, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Then the Lord opens the assistant’s eyes, and he looks and sees the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around the city.
This Old Testament story illustrates 1 John 4:4. “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”
As believers in Jesus, we need our eyes opened so we can see the forces of God are indeed greater than the forces of the evil one.
We pray that the Lord will give us hearing ears that alert us to the enemy’s plans and show us how to avoid defeat. That the Lord will give us eyes of faith to envision God’s heavenly armies surrounding us.
We pray that our strength be renewed through the joy of the Lord. That our hands swing the sword of the Spirit. That our mouths be filled with praise. That our hearts be fervent in prayer.
We pray that the Lord will grant us an overcomer’s victory through the power of Jesus’ name!
Action Step: Take 5 minutes to envision God’s heavenly armies surrounding you.
This is God’s Word for you today,
Pastor Dave
