2 Kings 6 New International Version
8 Now the king of Aram was at war with Israel. After conferring with his officers, he said, “I will set up my camp in such and such a place.”9 The man of God sent word to the king of Israel: “Beware of passing that place, because the Arameans are going down there.” 10 So the king of Israel checked on the place indicated by the man of God. Time and again Elisha warned the king, so that he was on his guard in such places.11 This enraged the king of Aram. He summoned his officers and demanded of them, “Tell me! Which of us is on the side of the king of Israel?”12 “None of us, my lord the king,” said one of his officers, “but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the very words you speak in your bedroom.”13 “Go, find out where he is,” the king ordered, “so I can send men and capture him.” The report came back: “He is in Dothan.” 14 Then he sent horses and chariots and a strong force there. They went by night and surrounded the city.15 When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?” the servant asked.16 “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”17 And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
Sometimes as we go about the duties and responsibilities given us by God there are going to be those who take issue with the words we speak and the manner in which we live. They are not pleased by the messages we deliver for they go contrary to their goals and plans. In this portion of scripture we have a classic example. Elisha is given revelation by the Lord to the plans of King of Aram who is intent on causing Israel harm. He is foiled by the armies of Israel at every turn and he has become extremely angry. He seeks the life of Elisha.
Jesus spoke to His followers these words ,
17This is My command to you: Love one another. 18If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first. 19If you were of the world, it would love you as its own. Instead, the world hates you, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world.… John 15 Berean Study Bible
Most of the trials we face are going to be brought about by others. Some of those trials will not be related to the cause of Christ but many may not. It is imperative that you realize that you are not an island unto yourself.
David recorded in Psalm 23 these words.
23 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. King James Version
In scripture we see a multitude of references where God showed Himself a present help in a time of trouble.
Psalm 46:1 Amplified Bible
God is our refuge and strength [mighty and impenetrable], A very present and well-proved help in trouble.
He was present for the hebrew children as they were cast into the fiery furnace and delivered them from the flames. He was there for Daniel when he was cast into a den of hungry lions and delivered him from any harm. He opened the Red Sea for Israel to escape the chariots of pharaoh. This list goes on and on. The point is this as He was with those who have preceded us He also will be with all His children.
Isaiah 41:10 New King James Version
10 Fear not, for I am with you;Be not dismayed, for I am your God.I will strengthen you,Yes, I will help you,I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’
Deuteronomy 31:6 New King James Version
6 Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.”
Jesus emphasized this point before His crucifixion when he spoke these words to His disciples.
Hebrew 13:5-8 New King James Version
5 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” 6 So we may boldly say:“The Lord is my helper;I will not fear.What can man do to me?”
I don’t know about you but I love light, not just the light of truth, but sunlight. I find it encouraging. I love a spring day with the smell of fresh cut hay and the warm breeze blowing on my face. Gone are the short dark days of winter with their chilling winds. Life is like the seasons. We cannot stay in the season that we enjoy most. At least not up here in the north. Each season serves a purpose. In the winter the land is allowed to rest. In spring life comes forth and new growth springs up. In summer the hot long days and increased sunlight cause the crops to flourish. The summer rains provide their own kind of refreshing as they purge the air and provide a cleanness that you can smell. Then comes fall, the harvest of the corn and vegetables of all types. The many farm stands with all types of fruit. Fall is my second favorite season, spring being the first.
Your life is like the seasons. Their are the times of renewal, as well as the times of growth and harvest. However there are dark times where light is limited and you are often confined to dark and lonely situations. But hold on things will soon change. The days will get longer and temperatures once again will rise. Through each of the seasons of life however there is one constant that does not change but always remains the same. God’s love and God’s faithful presence is always beside you and as a born again Christian it is inside of you. So no matter what is going on around you God is still shining bright within you. Providing strength and comfort even in the darkest of days.
Some years ago I received my great grandmother and grandfather’s Bible. Presented to them in 1876 by great granddad’s mother. I slowly went through the pages looking at the newspaper clippings and the things they had marked and underlined. It was a glimpse into each of their hearts revealing thoughts and experiences they went through not only through personal life but through two world wars and a great depression. I came across a hand written poem no doubt written down by great grandma.
This is what it said:
I walked a road of sorrow,
A road so dark with care,
I was so, so, certain that no one else was there,
But when I looked around me on this road on which I trod
I found two sets of footprints, my own and those of God.
This poem no doubt meant very much to them both for no doubt they may have felt all alone and possibly misplaced their faith for a moment at different dark times in life. However when they took a moment to look around they found that they had never not even for one moment been alone. For the presence of God was there with them the whole time.
If you will take a moment and ask God to reveal what is unseen, maybe like Elisha’s servant you will see that this is far from the case as well.