Set the Lord Before You, and You Will Not Be Shaken
In 2 Kings 6, Elisha and his servants find themselves in a city surrounded by the armies of the king of Syria. Examining the situation, one of his servants cries out to the prophet, “Alas my master! What shall we do?” Undeterred, Elisha assures him that they are well taken care of and prays that the Lord would open the servant’s eyes.
In verse 17 we are told that “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.” The text doesn’t comment on the servant after that, but I assume he felt more than a little comforted.
As you consider the mission field, all sorts of fears might enter your mind: fears of snakes, terrorists, illnesses. You may be anxious as to the toll that missions will take on your family, or the risks for your children. When your eyes are fixed on these issues, missions will always seem impossible, and maybe even foolhardy. However, if you direct your gaze elsewhere, to the throne of God, you will find a new confidence.
When the authors of Scripture focused on the Lord, they said things like “I will not be shaken” and “Whom shall I fear?” The Bible makes it clear that God is not weak, nor is his hand too short to provide for his children. If, as children of God, we can boldly approach God’s throne (Hebrews 4:16), how much more confidently should we be able to approach the foreign mission field?
I have found that when I am afraid, if I pray, “Lord, I am willing, make me able,” he is more than willing to grant my request. Don’t trust in yourself, or your plans today. Trust in the Lord, and I promise you will not be disappointed.
Praise the Lord for…
· his strength and ability to overcome any obstacle.
· his love for his children and provision of their every need.
Pray that…
· you would have faith to believe that God is greater than anything that could stand in your way.
· you would believe that he is able to make all grace abound to you so that you may abound in every good work.
- Considering Missions Devo