When the servant of the man of God rose early in the morning and went out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was all around the city. And the servant said, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?” He said, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” Then Elisha prayed and said, “O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see.” So 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. 2 Kings 6:15-17
Gracious Father, there are times when the “odds” feel quite stacked against us. With the naked eye, the enemies of justice, truth, and the gospel greatly seem to outnumber your “troops.” At times, serving you feels quite overwhelming, even futile, if not foolish. But just when we begin to retreat into a basement of fear or question your concern and faithfulness, once again you open the eyes of our hearts and show us the way things really are. You’re such a patient and merciful God.
It is so good—no, it’s 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). If our God is with us, and you patently are, then who or what can, ultimately prevail against us? On our behalf, you didn’t spare Jesus. You freely gave him for our slavery to sin. But, of course, you will keeping on giving us everything we need to serve and honor you.
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 three hundred poorly armed soldiers, not thirty-four thousand 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.
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, in loving our addicted friends and waiting for prodigal children to come home. 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 to not give up.
Before he returns, Jesus will redeem his pan-national bride; and when he returns, Jesus will finish making all things new—ushering in the new heaven and new earth. Our labors in the Lord are often exhausting and discouraging, but they are never ever in vain (1 Cor. 15:58). Hallelujah, several times over! So very Amen we pray, in Jesus’ trustworthy and triumphant name.
