How should we respond when God's plans seem impossible, as in 2 Kings 7:2? Setting the Scene in 2 Kings 7 • Samaria is starving under Aramean siege. • Elisha declares, “Tomorrow about this time a seah of fine flour will sell for a shekel” (v. 1). • “But the officer on whose arm the king leaned answered… ‘Even if the LORD were to open the windows of heaven, could this happen?’” (7:2). • Elisha replies, “You will see it with your own eyes, but you will not eat any of it.” The next day the prophecy comes true; the officer is trampled at the gate (7:16-20). The Danger of Doubt • Doubt questions God’s integrity: “Has God said, and will He not do it?” (cf. Numbers 23:19). • It blinds us to the supernatural: the officer saw prices fall exactly as foretold yet missed the blessing. • Persistent unbelief brings loss: “Without faith it is impossible to please God” (Hebrews 11:6). Why God’s Word Remains Unshakable • God’s character: “It is impossible for God to lie” (Hebrews 6:18). • God’s power: “For nothing will be impossible with God” (Luke 1:37). • God’s track record: parting the sea (Exodus 14), stopping the sun (Joshua 10), raising the dead (John 11). Healthy Responses When God’s Plan Looks Impossible 1. Believe first, see later – “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:29). 2. Anchor in Scripture – Meditate on promises like Isaiah 41:10; Romans 8:28. 3. Pray with expectancy – “Whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it” (Mark 11:24). 4. Obey the next clear step – The lepers in 2 Kings 7:3-7 moved forward; God met them in motion. 5. Guard your words – The officer’s careless statement sealed his fate; “Life and death are in the power of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21). 6. Recall past deliverances – David rehearsed the lion and the bear before facing Goliath (1 Samuel 17:34-37). 7. Wait with patience – “Though it delay, wait for it; it will surely come” (Habakkuk 2:3). Examples of Faith Triumphing Over the Impossible • Abraham and Sarah conceive in old age (Genesis 18:14). • Israel crosses the Red Sea on dry ground (Exodus 14:21-31). • Joshua watches Jericho’s walls fall after silent marches (Joshua 6). • Mary conceives the Messiah as a virgin (Luke 1:34-38). • Peter walks on water when eyes stay on Jesus (Matthew 14:28-29). Consequences of Persistent Unbelief • Missed blessings (Numbers 14:22-23). • Hardened heart (Hebrews 3:12-13). • Divine discipline (Luke 1:20—Zechariah struck mute). • Eternal loss for those who refuse to trust Christ (John 3:18). Living It Out Today • Choose trust over cynicism the moment God’s promise clashes with visible evidence. • Keep Scripture in your mouth and mind; speak agreement, not contradiction. • Step forward in obedience even when you cannot trace the outcome. • Expect God to vindicate His word, knowing you will either “see and eat” by faith or “see and miss” through unbelief. |
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