I first became aware of the spiritual battle that goes on all around us when I read Frank Peretti’s books, This Present Darkness and Piercing the Darkness. Ever after, I’ve tried to imagine the supernatural spirit world at play in our world and lives!
I have heard that in North America, where our lives are so much more prosperous and comfortable than other parts of the world, we are not as aware of spiritual warfare. While on a missions trip in Haiti, the spiritual darkness and heaviness was something that I really felt, and one night, my roommate and I prayed against what we were sensing as the powers of darkness at work in the city around us. It was scary!
In today’s passage, the city where Elisha and his servant were staying was surrounded by an enemy army, ready to attack and invade the walls of safety behind which the two of them were hiding. Elisha’s servant was terrified, but he could not see what Elisha could see with his spiritual eyes. Here’s what it says in verses 15 & 16:
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.
“Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”
I love what Elisha said to his servant! With God, we always outnumber the opposition, no matter how threatening they seem. This especially encourages me when I listen to the world news. Evil seems to be winning, sometimes, but we can rest secure in the fact that what is seen is only part of the story.
Father God, I thank you that those who are with us spiritually are greater in number than any mortal enemy that may threaten our sense of safety. Please make us more aware of your power in the supernatural realm, especially whenever we feel threatened. Give us eyes to see the unseen! Amen.
For Today: Perhaps you don’t know what to do today, given the circumstances that you are facing. Ask God to help you see beyond your current situation. Or maybe you know someone who needs your prayer that God would open their eyes to the fact that they are not alone. Send them a verse to remind them that God is with them, and that you are praying for them.
Photo Credit: Nathan Timblin