Against Insurmountable Odds

O. T. #836  "Against Insurmountable Odds"
Sept. 23, 2016
2 Kings 6-Part 2


LET IT GLOW

Today's is a good story, almost comical to me. Although, standing against insurmountable odds, is not. What do we do in that situation? I know the One who has the ability to beat and overcome all odds. That's no problem. The question is, "Do I have the faith in Him to beat insurmountable odds against me?" Oh yeah, I can tell others to be strong, trusting, depending on God. But where the rubber meets the road is when I am in that predicament, needing to stand strong, trusting and depending upon God. Is there an amen?

* Surmount means to prevail over, overcome, according to Webster's Dictionary.

When confronted with insurmountable odds, when it looks like I will not be prevailing, I can't succeed alone, but with God, I can overcome.

So today, a servant and a prophet live against insurmountable odds. Shall we see how this came about?

Syria was again at war with Israel. Ben-hadad, Syria's king, using guerrilla style, set up a camp secretly for ambushing Israel. However, every time he would plan raids on Israel, God kept revealing every movement and schemes of the enemy to Elisha, His prophet. Because Elisha cared for his Israeli people, he would inform King Jehoram of the schemes. Then the king would send word to the cities so they would be prepared for the invasion and Syria was unsuccessful. 

After this happening twice, Ben-hadad demanded to know which of his officers was a traitor, informing Israel of their plans of attack on what city. One of the officers spoke truth when he told his king that Elisha, the prophet in Israel, told his king of their plans, even those spoken in his bedroom. Of course, it was our all-knowing God who did the informing. Syria's king commanded them to find out where Elisha was located, and then he troops to seize him.

When Elisha's servant saw the troops everywhere the next morning, he told Elisha. "Oh, sir, what will we do now?" the young man cried to Elisha.

When we feel surrounded by the enemy, what do we do? Seek the Lord or hide or run?

LET IT GROW

What happened to Elisha and his servant in an impossible situation? We know that with God all things are possible. Here's what happened, two miracles dealing with the eyes of men:

First, Elisa tried to reassure his servant that they had more on their side than on their enemy's side, so he could not be afraid. (Ok, if you say so. No, I don't think I would be that confident.)
Then  Elisha prayed, asking God to open his servant's eyes so he could see. (I figure angels armed with swords surrounded their place.)
What did the servant see? When the Lord opened the man's eyes, he saw the hillside filled with horses and chariots of fire. (verse 17)

The angel of the LORD encamped round about them that fear Him, and delivered them.
(Psalm 34:7)

God's heavenly army in the unseen world was seen by Elisha' servant. They were waiting to do battle with Syria's army. Military leaders were not in control of coming events. There was a greater force present, yet unseen to most. We are going to leave these two men surrounded by to armies.

What can we glean from this spectacular story?
Faith reveals that God is doing more for His people than we can ever realize through sight alone. When you face difficulties that seem insurmountable, remember that spiritual resources are there even if you can't see them. Look with eyes of faith, and let God show you His resources. If you don't see God working in your life, the problem may be your spiritual eyesight, not God's power. (Life Application Study Bible)

LET IT GO

Turn it over to Jesus to make me into an overcomer.

Stay in the fight; stand strong; live by faith; trust in the Almighty God. (I need to hear these words myself.)

Ask for grace and mercy to carry on, walking by faith, giving God the glory.