There are two ways we need our eyes opened. The first is to see the massive desolation we live in and to see the vast army that surrounds us. Today’s blog is based on the fact that you do know that the spiritual forces of this dark world have us completely surrounded. Obviously you will not be praying to be saved if you don’t think there is an enemy all around us. If you are aware of this you will be pleading with God for His mercy. As we take this land we do not have to be afraid. Joshua was told Joshua 1:6 “Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.
One example is where Hezekiah was surrounded by Sennacherib’s army and about to lay siege to the city of Jerusalem. They had the audacity to say 2 Kings 18:32 “Do not listen to Hezekiah, for he is misleading you when he says, ‘The Lord will deliver us.’ 33 Has the god of any nation ever delivered his land from the hand of the king of Assyria? They then sent word to Isaiah and said 2 Kings 19:4 “It may be that the Lord your God will hear all the words of the field commander, whom his master, the king of Assyria, has sent to ridicule the living God, and that he will rebuke him for the words the Lord your God has heard. Therefore pray for the remnant that still survives.” 6 Isaiah said to them, “Tell your master, ‘This is what the Lord says: Do not be afraid of what you have heard—those words with which the underlings of the king of Assyria have blasphemed me. 7 Listen! When he hears a certain report, I will make him want to return to his own country, and there I will have him cut down with the sword.’” 34 I will defend this city and save it, for my sake and for the sake of David my servant.’”
Another situation was one where the enemy was looking for the prophet Elisha because he was reading their mail so to speak. 2 Kings 6:8 “Now the king of Aram was at war with Israel. After conferring with his officers, he said, “I will set up my camp in such and such a place.” 9 The man of God sent word to the king of Israel: “Beware of passing that place, because the Arameans are going down there.” 10 So the king of Israel checked on the place indicated by the man of God. Time and again Elisha warned the king, so that he was on his guard in such places. 11 This enraged the king of Aram. He summoned his officers and demanded of them, “Tell me! Which of us is on the side of the king of Israel?” 12 “None of us, my lord the king,” said one of his officers, “but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the very words you speak in your bedroom.” 13 “Go, find out where he is,” the king ordered, “so I can send men and capture him.” The report came back: “He is in Dothan.” 14 Then he sent horses and chariots and a strong force there. They went by night and surrounded the city. 15 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. 16 “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” 17 And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.”
As we follow God, the enemy who constantly is telling us that our God will not save us, surrounds us. Just as the servant went out for his coffee and saw the enemy surrounding the city, we too are surrounded. Today I want to put your mind at ease and remind you that we serve an amazing God who hears our cry. The answer is always; don’t be afraid. As we put our trust in God once again we do not have to fear this enemy who is trying to defeat us. Elisha said with confidence do not be afraid because he could already see “those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” God then answered Elisha and opened his servants eyes so that he could see the power of God.
As we continue this journey, ask God for eyes that see and ears that hear. We have nothing to fear as we begin to take the land once again. Psalm 7:6 “Arise, LORD, in your anger; rise up against the rage of my enemies. Awake, my God; decree justice. 7 Let the assembled peoples gather around you, while you sit enthroned over them on high. 8 Let the LORD judge the peoples. Vindicate me, LORD, according to my righteousness, according to my integrity, O Most High. 9 Bring to an end the violence of the wicked and make the righteous secure— you, the righteous God who probes minds and hearts. 10 My shield is God Most High, who saves the upright in heart.”
