God's On Your Side

Chuckle: "Why do surgeons wear masks during an operation? So that if they make a mistake, no one will know who did it."

Quote: "God is sufficiently wise, and good and powerful and merciful to turn even the most, apparently, disastrous events to the advantage and profit of those who humbly adore him and accept his will in all that he permits." --Jean-Pierre de Caussade

"Don't be afraid!" Elisha told him (his servant). "For there are more on our side than on theirs!" (2 Kings 6:16 NLT).

A local television station that Dotse and I often watch has used the slogan "On Your Side" to describe the station's commitment to the welfare of their viewers. I must admit the slogan has a positive effect on my feelings toward the station. We all are comforted by knowing that we are not alone in life and that others have our best interests at heart -- that they are on our side.

Let me briefly set the stage for our Scripture passage. The forces of Israel and those of Aram were in battle against each other. Elisha, a prophet of God, knew the king of Aram's battle plans and passed this information along to the king of Israel. In his anger, the king of Aram tracked Elisha down at Dothan. When Elisha's servant saw the strong Aramean forces, he became terrified. Our passage is Elisha's response to his servant's fear. Then Elisha prayed and the servant's eyes were opened and he was able to see God's heavenly army on their side. The servant's fear was removed.

If we have faith, God will always reveal His powerful resources available to us as His children. When you are overwhelmed by difficulties in life that seem insurmountable, remember that God's spiritual resources are available to you even though you can't see them with your physical eyes. You must look through the eyes of faith to see God's mighty spiritual army coming to your defense.

Our passage reminds us that when God is on your side, it doesn't really matter who or how many are against you. Each of us should pray for God to increase our faith and open our spiritual eyes so that His mighty army becomes visible to us. If you don't see God working in your life, the problem is not a lack of God's power, but rather your lack of faith and spiritual eyesight.

Jesus said, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33b NIV). Like Elisha and his servant, with God on your side, you have no reason to be afraid.

Love, Jerry & Dotse