By Reverend J. Loren Russell
2 Kings 6:15-17 (NKJV)
“And when the servant of the man of God arose early and went out, there was an army, surrounding the city with horses and chariots. And his servant said to him, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?” So he answered, “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” And Elisha prayed, and said, “Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” Then 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.”
During this season of Advent, when we are eagerly anticipating the celebration of the arrival of our Lord and Savior, a time when joy should be the prevalent emotion throughout the world, it seems we are surrounded by challenges, trials, and tribulations. It sometimes seems like we are fenced in by everything negative. According to Science Direct, it is a statistical fact that there is a 25% increase in deaths in the USA during the winter months, not to mention homelessness, food scarcity, unemployment and underemployment, educational deficiencies, insurance inequities, income disparities, budget deficits, wars and conflicts, as well as the mental health issues that proliferate our society, are all surrounding us, all threatening to destroy everything we hold near and dear.
The prophet Elisha was being sought by the king of Syria for prophetically telling the Israelite king where his army was planning to attack before they went. This prevented the Syrians from being victorious. The Syrian king was furious and found out in what town Elisha was staying. In the cloak of night, he sent an army of horses and chariots to capture Elisha. When Elisha’s servant saw the great army that encircled the city, he cried out, “What shall we do?” He did not know and could not see that they were not alone. Elisha answered the young man with assurance; “Do not fear, for those with us are more than those who are with them.”
Elisha prayed and the servant’s eyes were opened. He could now see in the spirit what he could not see in the flesh. What seemed like a certain defeat suddenly became an impossible victory. It was the prayer that unlocked the servant’s eyes to see the invisible. The improbability of victory was always present, it just wasn’t seen by the servant until his eyes were opened.
Whatever is surrounding you and threatening your safety, your health, your family, your vocation, your sanctity, whatever it may be, remember what James wrote, “the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:16 KJV). I am praying that the Lord opens your eyes. This is no time to fear!
Be Blessed!
Rev. J. Loren Russell is an associate minister at Goodwill Baptist Church and is the spiritual leader of the Evangelical Church of God, both in the Bronx, President/CEO of The JLR Company/J Loren R Consulting, LLC for Church Financial & Strategic Consulting (718-328-8096) and is the producer and host of “Matters of Faith – The Radio Show” on Monday nights from 8:00 – 10:00 PM on Facebook Live. Be sure to ‘Friend’ the Matters of Faith YouTube Channel. Email us at mattersoffaith.mof@gmail.com. Order your copy of Matters of Faith: The eBook at www.smashwords.com/books/view/993177.
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