What can we learn about faith from Elisha's response to the army's arrival? Setting the scene “Then the king sent horses, chariots, and a massive army. They went by night and surrounded the city.” (2 Kings 6:14) Immediate human reaction • Elisha’s servant sees only the physical threat (v. 15). • Fear springs from focusing on what the eyes can measure. Elisha’s faith-filled response • Calm assurance: “Do not be afraid,” he tells the servant (v. 16). • Confident declaration: “For those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” • Prayer for vision: “O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see” (v. 17). • Supernatural reality revealed: “And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.” What faith learns from Elisha • Faith interprets circumstances through God’s promises, not through visible odds (cf. Psalm 34:7; Romans 8:31). • Faith knows God’s armies are present even when hidden (Psalm 91:11–12). • Faith replaces fear with assurance because it counts on the unseen (Hebrews 11:1). • Faith prays for spiritual sight—for ourselves and for those who panic (Ephesians 1:18–19). Practical takeaways today • Speak truth to fearful hearts: remind them of God’s greater power. • Ask God to open spiritual eyes instead of asking Him to remove every trial. • Anchor confidence in the Lord’s unseen provision rather than visible resources. • Expect God’s intervention to be real and timely, whether seen or unseen. Summary verse to carry “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7) |
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