“When the servant of the man of God got up early and went out, he discovered an army with horses and chariots surrounding the city. So he asked Elisha, ‘Oh, my master, what are we to do?’ Elisha said, ‘Don’t be afraid, for those who are with us outnumber those who are with them.’ Then Elisha prayed, ‘Lord, please open his eyes and let him see.’ So the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he saw that the mountain was covered with horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.” – 2 Kings 6:15-17
Fear can be debilitating. It keeps us from living up to our potential, fulfilling our calling, enjoying our blessings, and it can ruin our relationships. I’m sure all of us can think of opportunities we’ve missed or days that have been ruined because of fear. But why are we afraid? What is really at the root of that fear? In 2 Kings 6 Elisha’s servant is surrounded by an enemy army and he’s scared. That sounds like a pretty good reason to be afraid, right?! But Elisha is being attacked because he is a “man of God.” He is being obedient to the things that God has called him to do, no matter how difficult it may be. Because of this, there is a heavenly army protecting him in his work. He knows this, has confidence in this, and moves forward without fear because of this. The servant simply needed his eyes opened to this truth as well.
If you are struggling with fear today, the first question you need to ask yourself is, “am I living a life away from God or am I living a life pursuing God?” If you are willfully in disobedience to God, then fear will always be with you. But if you are pursuing the life God has called you to and you are striving to live in obedience to him, then know that he commands his angels concerning you – lifting you up to keep you from stumbling and protect you from the enemy (Psalm 91). When you are pursuing God’s will for your life, there is never any reason to fear.
Mighty and loving heavenly Father, as we pursue Your will and strive to draw closer to You, daily open our eyes so that we may see the powerful protection that surrounds us in every battle.
In Christ’s Service,
Pastor Shane Cannon