Stand Firm
I love the image in 2 Kings 6:15-17 when Elisha and his servant are under attack. The servant cries out, "Alas, my master! What shall we do?" and Elisha answered, "Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them." Then Elisha prayed, "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."
Chariots of fire! Does it get any better than that? God has His angels posted nearby ready to fight the battle with Elisha and his servant. During the Great Depression, President Franklin D. Roosevelt told Americans who were battling poverty and loss of hope, "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself!" Although not necessarily biblical, the idea for Christians is we are to only fear God and with due respect and faith in God, He will fight our battles. We are called to simply "stand firm" in Him. (2 Thessalonians 2:15, 1 Corinthians 16:13, Galatians 5:1, Ephesians 6:14, 1 Peter 5:9)
The February 20, 2012, Our Daily Bread, tells the story above and adds the following:
"Fear often shows up in our lives when we are at risk of losing something--our wealth, health, reputation, position, safety, family, friends. It reveals our innate desire to protect the things in life that are important to us, rather than fully entrusting them to God's care and control. When fear takes over, it cripples us emotionally and saps us spiritually. We're afraid to tell others about Christ, to extend our lives and resources for the benefit of others, or to venture into new territory. A fearful spirit is more vulnerable to the enemy, who tempts us to compromise biblical convictions and to take matters into our own hands."
The article ends with the statement, "Trust in the Lord is the cure for a fearful spirit." Amen. KT
Chariots of fire! Does it get any better than that? God has His angels posted nearby ready to fight the battle with Elisha and his servant. During the Great Depression, President Franklin D. Roosevelt told Americans who were battling poverty and loss of hope, "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself!" Although not necessarily biblical, the idea for Christians is we are to only fear God and with due respect and faith in God, He will fight our battles. We are called to simply "stand firm" in Him. (2 Thessalonians 2:15, 1 Corinthians 16:13, Galatians 5:1, Ephesians 6:14, 1 Peter 5:9)
The February 20, 2012, Our Daily Bread, tells the story above and adds the following:
"Fear often shows up in our lives when we are at risk of losing something--our wealth, health, reputation, position, safety, family, friends. It reveals our innate desire to protect the things in life that are important to us, rather than fully entrusting them to God's care and control. When fear takes over, it cripples us emotionally and saps us spiritually. We're afraid to tell others about Christ, to extend our lives and resources for the benefit of others, or to venture into new territory. A fearful spirit is more vulnerable to the enemy, who tempts us to compromise biblical convictions and to take matters into our own hands."
The article ends with the statement, "Trust in the Lord is the cure for a fearful spirit." Amen. KT
God's angels are not fragile ornaments, but powerful warriors.
Psalm 34:4 I sought the LORD, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.
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