From the Edges Surrounded

Morning Devotions – From the Edges

Pastor Calvin Cook

LENT – DAY 3 – SURROUNDED –

Scripture focus – 2 Kings6: 16-17: He said, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” 17 Then Elisha prayed and said, “O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see.” So the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

This journey through Lent is going to be tough, I have already felt the pressure and it is only day 3. When we have proclaimed victory, as we talked about yesterday, the battle becomes greater. It seems that as we leave the prayer room or sanctuary or safety or the place of our comfort that this legion is out there standing against. Even invading our space to drag us into whatever.

I have always tried to be positive, and I can do that when I am by myself, alone with my thoughts, centered on Jesus, my world is an awesome place. But the enemy is crafty and as we are pursued doesn’t leave us alone. Look at the example of Jesus in the wilderness for 40 days. Satan didn’t have to visit him yet he did. So, this solitary life and thought that can lead us in the pathway of righteousness can also lead us in the way of destruction. That choice becomes ours because both options are ours.

More importantly in the midst of every circumstance and situation that surrounds us and draws us away from God – do we only see the opposition or do we so the army that surrounds us to protect us. I was drawn to the story of Elisha in 2 Kings 6 where the great and powerful army of the Arameans were coming against them. The people of Israel were looking for a better way of life. They were being led by the faithful even during some very interesting situations.

The people grew very weary and concerned when they heard the army was coming against them. I can imagine there was complaining, anxiousness, frustration, and many other emotions existing among the people. Elisha prays for God to give extraordinary vision beyond only what they could see and reason as impossible.

In Kings 6:16 & 17 the servant of Elisha came to peace and was no longer afraid when he saw God’s mighty heavenly army. That greater was the army of the Lord that was surrounding them, standing ready to fight the battle than the fear of the Arameans army.

That is where I want to be in life where we see the power of God, the sacrifice that Jesus has made on our behalf standing firm and powerful greater than anything that can come against us. Greater will be this army than that which we have learned to trust for our security. But…… this will take surrender; this will take putting our focus on the right things not on the fine points but instead on Jesus. Instead focusing on the power of that holy army which we can see as God working in our life.

I think you know where the story needs to go from here. However, will you lay down your weapons, your nets, your attitudes, your ugliness, your own desires, surrender your sinfulness to redemption, and see the Lord high and mighty seated on the throne and be filled by that glory and presence.

May our prayer be – Open our eyes Lord that we may see you, surrounding us – Amen