When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh, my lord, what shall we do?” the servant asked. “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” And Elisha prayed, “O LORD, open his eyes so 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 6:15-17
Gracious Father, there are times when the “odds” feel quite stacked against us, as your people. With the naked eye, the enemies of justice, truth and the gospel greatly seem to outnumber your “troops.” Serving you feels quite overwhelming at times even futile.
But just when I begin to retreat into a basement of fear, or question your concern and faithfulness … once again, you open the eyes of my heart and show me the way things really are. You’re such a patient and merciful God.
Though serving you is not like a childhood game of kickball, when we did our best to choose the best players for our team… nevertheless, it is good… no, vital to know that because of the gospel, “those who are with us are more than those who are with them” (2 Kings 6:16).
But the way of the gospel will always be strength in weakness… the transforming treasure of the gospel in fragile clay pots, like us. It was 300 poorly armed soldiers, not 34,000 fighting men, you sent with Gideon to defeat the Midianite army. Jesse’s youngest son, David… a young shepherd, was your choice to be the king of Israel. Most profoundly, it was the crucifixion of Jesus, not an insurrection of zealots, which won our salvation.
Father, the “odds” are never really stacked against your covenant purposes and your transforming kingdom. You’re not “trying” to do anything… You never have to resort to plan B… You never hedge your bets. You are God, and there is no other god…
So help us, and your servants throughout the world, not to become weary in preaching the gospel and planting churches… in doing justice and loving mercy. We will reap a harvest at the proper time, if we do not give up (Gal. 6:9)… and the gospel is all the motivation, hope and power we need not to give up.
Before Jesus returns, he will redeem his pan-national Bride, and when Jesus returns, he will finish making all things new and he will usher in the new heaven and new earth. Our labors in the Lord are often exhausting and discouraging, but they are never in vain (1 Cor. 15:58). So very Amen, we pray, in Jesus’ trustworthy and triumphant name.
