Now let's hear about two men from the Bible who experienced the power of God's presence: Elisha and the Bad King
Elisha and his servant seemed to be in big trouble. Elisha was a prophet of God, and he loved God very much. He talked with God all the time and told others what He said. But sometimes that got him in trouble!
You see, there was a very bad king in the neighboring country of Syria who wanted to destroy the people of Israel. But every time he planned an attack, God told Elisha about it. Then Elisha would tell the king of Israel about what this bad king was going to do, and the armies of Israel would escape. This made the bad king very mad. He decided that he had to kill Elisha if he was to have any hope of conquering Israel. So the king sent his huge army of troops, horses, and chariots to surround the place where Elisha and his servant were staying.
Elisha was a man of God and knew Him very well, so he wasn't afraid, but his helper still had a lot to learn. Listen to what happened when his helper saw the enemy's great army surrounding them.
Read
2 Kings 6:15-17.
- What did Elisha's helper see? (the enemy's army surrounding them)
- What did Elisha see? (God and His army of angels surrounding them)
- How did seeing God's army give the helper courage? (He saw that he and Elisha were not alone. It wasn't really two against an army. It was God and His army against a mere man's army!)
- What do you think happened next?
Let's keep reading (
2 Kings 6:18-23). Keep in mind that Samaria is Israel's capital city at this time.
- You might think that Elisha called upon God's army of angels to kill the bad king's army. But what did Elisha ask instead? (to blind the enemy's army)
- Where did Elisha lead the blind, enemy army? (to the king of Israel in the capital)
- What did the king of Israel want to do? (to kill the enemy)
- What did Elisha do instead to the enemy? (after he had prayed for their sight to restored, he fed them all and sent them back home)
- Reread the end of verse 23. How did God deal with this enemy? (He proved His power and presence was with Israel, and Syria did not return any more)
- How was this a much more effective way of dealing with a bad king?
Read the encouraging words God gave to Joshua.
"Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage;
be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God
is with thee whithersoever thou goest." (
Joshua 1:9
)
Where should Joshua (and us) get strength and courage? (
From the promise that God is with us).
Jesus promised His presence to those accomplishing the Great Commission (
Matthew 28:18-20
). He has given us the challenge to reach every person on Earth with God’s message of love and forgiveness. Yet He did not leave us alone to accomplish this impossible task. He has sent us His Holy Spirit who empowers us to do what is humanly impossible—but possible with God. This was David Livingstone's source of courage to take the gospel into the unknown land of Africa.
- When a Sunday school teacher labors teaching preschoolers about God’s love, she may not receive many affirmations from others, yet the Lord sees every smile and hug she gives them.
- For the bedridden elderly person who adopts a prayer ministry on behalf of loved ones, neighbors, and friends, God hears.
- For the godly parent who prays hours into the night for a prodigal child, God sees.
- God knows about the businessman, betrayed by his business partner, who does not take revenge but responds in forgiveness and love.
To these faithful servants, our ever-present God knows of every sacrifice along the way to share the gospel or live out the gospel. May His promise continue to strengthen your resolve to be a light in your dark world.
WHY DOES THIS MATTER:
Sometimes doing what is right can be very scary or feel lonely. If you are on God's side, He promises to always be with you and give you courage.
TAKING ACTION:
Thank God that since He is always with you, you can have courage and strength knowing that you are not alone.
Do you need courage and strength for something?
The stories of missionaries and their confidence in God during difficult times is a great source of encouragement for people of all ages, especially children. Open their minds to discovering some of these great stories by
CLICKING HERE
.
Click on the Amazing Grace picture below for some A-MAZE-ING truths about God that your children can discover.
