“O LORD, open his eyes and let him see!” —2 Kings 6:17
Israel was in a hard place. Aram, a neighboring country, regularly attacked towns and villages in ancient Israel. But God had been revealing the plans of the locations of these attacks to the prophet Elisha. So Elisha warned the king of Israel ahead of each raid and the king placed soldiers to prevent Aram’s taking more territory in their country.
Frustrated, the king of Aram vented to his officers:
“Which of you is the traitor? Who has been informing the king of Israel of my plans?”
“It’s not us, my lord the king,” one of the officers replied. “Elisha, the prophet in Israel, tells the king of Israel even the words you speak in the privacy of your bedroom!”
“Go and find out where he is,” the king commanded, “so I can send troops to seize him.” (2 Kings 6:11–13)
They discovered where the prophet Elisha lived and planned an early morning surprise raid to capture the prophet. In the dark of night, the king of Aram sent a great army with horses and chariots to surround the city where Elisha lived to take him captive.
When Elisha’s servant woke up that morning and looked out the window, he saw enemy soldiers encircling them, with troops, horses, and chariots—everywhere. This guy was freaking out!
“Oh, sir, what will we do now?” the young man cried to Elisha. “Don’t be afraid!” Elisha told him. “For there are more on our side than on theirs!” Then Elisha prayed, “O LORD, open his eyes and let him see!” The LORD opened the young man’s eyes, and when he looked up, he saw that the hillside around Elisha was filled with horses and chariots of fire. (2 Kings 6:15–17)
Horses and chariots of fire.
God had given him angelic protection and provision—soldiers of Heaven. Elisha’s servant hadn’t seen them—yet they were there. And these angelic warriors delivered Elisha, his servant, and the city from the attack of the soldiers of Aram. You can read the rest of the story here.
But consider the prophet’s words: First, he said, “Don’t be afraid.” Understand that whatever the situation, God is in control. Next, he says, “There are more on our side than on theirs!” Not only is God in control, but his provision and protection are far greater than any threat you will ever face.
Then, notice what Elisha does next: he prays. He says “O LORD, open his eyes and let him see.” God answers this prayer and opens the young man’s eyes. What does he see? God’s protection: the very armies of heaven surrounding them.
Wow!
Whatever you’re facing today, whether you’re being threatened physically, spiritually, or emotionally, God knows your situation. He knows your need and he knows the path through the situation. Here are the principles we can pull out of Elisha’s advice when you are going through a threatening time:
1. Don’t be afraid. Don’t allow fear to rule your heart. Your Heavenly Father knows what is happening and is already at your side.
2. Remember that God is with you. Know that God’s protection and provision is far superior to whatever threat is coming at you.
3. Pray. Pray for eyes to see. Pray for God to reveal the way through. Thank him in advance for all that he will do. He is capable, he is available and he loves to come to the aid of his children when they ask.
And don’t forget to ask him to open your eyes to see the provision and protection that he has for you.
Simply pray, “Father, open my eyes and let me see.” Then wait patiently for his response. He loves to answer the prayers of his children.
Written By Bill Herried
This is an updated edition of a post originally published on Christian Grandfather Magazine
Featured Image by Aida L on Unsplash
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Thank you for posting KW!! Keep up the great work.
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