When Elisha was faced with opposition, he prayed for his servant who was fearful of the opposition built up against them. Elisha prayed, “Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” This is a beautiful prayer to pray for ourselves and others when faced with opposition. Elisha wasn’t concerned because he saw in the spirit realm.
“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 young man, and he saw. And behold the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.” 2Kings 6:15-17
The Bible tells us that the Lord is a shield to those who trust in Him (Psalm 18:30b). It also says that He contends with those who contend with us (Isaiah 49:25). These are important scriptures to remember in time of persecution or opposition.
We should always allow the Holy Spirit to examine us in case we have committed any willful or ignorant sin. Once that’s settled then we bow in humility and confidently rest in Him. The Lord will fight for His interests in our lives. When we represent Him, He will back us up.
19 Now Elisha said to them, “This is not the way, nor is this the city. Follow me, and I will bring you to the man whom you seek.” But he led them to Samaria.
20 So it was, when they had come to Samaria, that Elisha said, “Lord, open the eyes of these men, that they may see.” And the Lord opened their eyes, and they saw; and there they were, inside Samaria!
21 Now when the king of Israel saw them, he said to Elisha, “My father, shall I kill them? Shall I kill them?”
22 But he answered, “You shall not kill them. Would you kill those whom you have taken captive with your sword and your bow? Set food and water before them, that they may eat and drink and go to their master.” 23 Then he prepared a great feast for them; and after they ate and drank, he sent them away and they went to their master. So the bands of Syrian raiders came no more into the land of Israel. 2Kings 6:19-23
The Syrian army lost because God sent blindness, but Elisha told Israel’s king not to kill them. Instead he asked the king to prepare a great feast for them (v22), which is a reminder of Psalm 23:5, ”He prepares a table for me in the presence of my enemies…” Praise God! His ways are not our ways, and He fights His battles so differently than the way the world does. Even in fighting, He is a redeeming God. His desire is for none to perish but come to repentance. Praise Him!
What battle are you fighting today? Is it a relational battle? Is there a friction between you and a sister or brother in the Lord? Is it a financial difficulty?
Pray as Elisha prayed that God would open your eyes that you may see. When we walk obediently with God, His grace covers us. We need to get our fighting instructions from Him, and then follow the orders. We know that we are on the winning team, and nothing shall separate us from the Love of Christ. “If God is for us who can be against us?” Take courage in your heavenly father today.
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