The God of the Impossible

08/01/21 – 08/05/21

Protected by Heaven’s Army

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  08/02/21

God created and redeemed us to live in the realm of the supernatural—where we have a hope that does not disappoint. God’s people are called to stand in faith, trusting that nothing is impossible for the one, true God.

Elisha lived during a time very similar to our own. But he stood against the culture of his day, and he lived and walked in the expectation that God could do anything.

When the king of Syria wanted to attack Israel, it was Elisha who saved the day. Elisha looked to the God who lives in unapproachable light, who in His grace chose His people Israel and spoke to Elisha for their protection. Every time the king of Syria plotted a move against Israel, Elisha knew exactly where he was going to strike. He told Israel’s king, and each attack was foiled.

This enraged the king of Syria, who assumed he had a traitor in his midst. But then one of his men told him about Elisha, Israel’s famous prophet. The Syrian king knew what he needed to do: capture Elisha. It was a silly plan, of course. If God can tell Elisha every move the king is going to make, surely He can keep His servant from being kidnapped! Still, the king sent horsemen and chariots to the city of Dothan, a well-equipped army just to bring back one man.

When Elisha’s servant saw the Syrian troops surrounding the city, he was frightened and fell apart. But not Elisha. You see, when we run to the Almighty, our fortress, we will be protected spiritually. When we carry the shield of faith, we will be victorious. Elisha knew that and had peace. He told his servant, “Don’t be afraid, . . . Those who are with us are more than those who are with them” (2 Kings 6:16). And it was true. Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, LORD, so that he may see” (v. 17), and instantly his servant could see. There on the hilltops was an army from heaven arrayed for battle.

We all need to pray as Elisha did—for both ourselves and our families. Pray that God would open your spiritual eyes, your children’s spiritual eyes, your grandchildren’s spiritual eyes. And pray that He might open the eyes of the people you come across every day, especially those who are spiritually blind to the Truth of His Word.

Prayer: Lord, open my spiritual eyes to see Your hand at work on my behalf. I know You are with me—that You love and protect me. Help me to hold fast to Your Gospel and rest in the promise of Your tender care. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“And Elisha prayed, ‘Open his eyes, LORD, so that he may see.’ Then the LORD opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha” (2 Kings 6:17)