How can prayer help us see God's protection in difficult situations? The Scene in Dothan “When the servant of the man of God got up early in the morning and went out, behold, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. ‘Oh no, my lord!’ he said. ‘What are we to do?’” (2 Kings 6:15) Prayer Opens Our Eyes • Elisha immediately responds with calm and a prayer (v. 17). • His short request—“LORD, please open his eyes that he may see”—shows that sight into God’s protection is granted, not earned. • Prayer shifts focus from the visible threat to the invisible reality: “the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha” (v. 17). What We Learn About God’s Protection • God’s defenses are present before we notice them (Psalm 34:7; 91:11). • The spiritual realm is as literal as the physical; prayer tunes us to it (Ephesians 1:18). • Fear fades when the heart recognizes who truly surrounds us (Psalm 27:1–3). • God’s protection can be both miraculous and practical—He later blinds the enemy army (2 Kings 6:18), demonstrating active intervention. Practical Steps to Pray in Crisis 1. Acknowledge the threat honestly, as the servant did. 2. Speak God’s character back to Him: “You are my refuge and fortress” (Psalm 91:2). 3. Ask specifically for opened eyes—spiritual perception, wisdom, and courage. 4. Thank Him in advance, trusting His unseen resources (Philippians 4:6–7). 5. Act in the confidence He provides, just as Elisha led the blinded army without panic. Living a Life of Watchful Confidence • Cultivate a habit of immediate prayer; quick dependence fosters clear vision. • Memorize and meditate on protection promises (Isaiah 41:10; Romans 8:31). • Share testimonies of God’s deliverance; hearing encourages seeing. • Keep perspective: earthly dangers are temporary, but God’s guardianship is eternal (2 Corinthians 4:18). |
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