When trouble surrounds you

Photo by JohnLSmith

There's a story of awesomeness that might help you in your time of trouble. 2 Kings 6 tells about Elisha's encounter with the enemy.  No matter what kind of trouble is surrounding you right now, know this, that God is with you. I hope this encourages you as it did me when life gets a little to much to handle.

The Bible is full of stories as proof of God's Presence. Exodus 14:14 says "The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still."  So when trouble comes calling, being still is sometimes the last thing I think of.  Until I read this encouragement ...this "be-still-battle plan" is one that I will tackle first when it comes to letting God into my trouble, because God is always in it to win it.

I was reading in 2 Kings 6: 8 - 18, which tells the story of war between the Arameans and the Israelites  The enemy forces were sent out in the cover of night, in massive numbers, to surround the city of Elisha and his servant. The next morning, Elisha's servant went out to survey the day's agenda and he was immediately overwhelmed by the sheer mass of numbers of forces lined up around their encampment. 

Can you imagine that heart sinking moment?   Who in their right mind would not have felt defeated?

His first response might have been..."This is too big, we can't fight this anymore."  Or simply.. "I want to give up." The Arameans army's reputation was known in the lands. So it was natural for the servant to become quickly overwhelmed. "Oh, my lord, what shall we do?" he asked just as Elisha was the looking at the looming line-up of soldiers ready for the attack. 

When you are overwhelmed do you run to God first? 

The great man of faith that Elisha was, knew the power of God and replied back, "Don't be afraid, those who are with us are more than those who are with them."  The servant looked again as Elisha prayed for God to "open" his eyes. The servant scanned the horizon. He saw the hills "full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha". Warriors of God lined the edge of the craggy hills, ready for battle.

Help had arrived, God sent the A Team.  Don't miss this...

....the servant looked to the hills and saw his help.

Sometimes we can only see God's deliverance from the valley.

What a sight that must have been. In their valley, they sought help from the Lord. They saw God's plan of deliverance in their valley. When their minds caught up with their hearts in the battle, they understood God's "be-still" battle plan.  This battle was God's to fight. To finish the story Elisha prayed for blindness in the enemy which caused confusion and there was no battle after all.

What battle are you facing today that you need God to fight for you?

Whatever battle you are facing know that the Lord will fight for you, all you need to do is to be still.  When you call on God to fight your battles, He will arrange an army of warriors to come by your side.  All you need to do is to rest in believing that God will act on your behalf.

Sometimes you will only see God's help from your valley. You are not alone. God has your city surrounded.

"Don't be afraid, those who are with us are more than those who are with them."

What battle are you facing today?