Kept by the Power of God

There is a thrilling Old Testament story that best illustrates what it means to be kept by the power of God. We find it in 2 Kings 6.

Benhadad, king of Syria, declared war on Israel and marched against them with a great army. As his forces advanced, he often called his war counsel into his private chambers to plan the next day’s strategy. But the prophet Elisha, moved by the Holy Spirit, kept sending word to the king of Israel, detailing every move of the enemy troops. On several occasions, the Israelites escaped defeat because of Elisha’s warnings.

Benhadad was furious and he called his servants together. “Show me this traitor! Who is revealing our plans to the king of Israel?” “One of his servants said, ‘None, my lord, O king; but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the words that you speak” (2 Kings 6:12).

Benhadad immediately dispatched forces to capture Elisha. They went to Dothan by night and surrounded the city, intending to take the old prophet by surprise. But Elisha’s servant awakened early and saw that “there was an army, surrounding the city with horses and chariots.” Terrified, he ran to Elisha and asked what they should do. “[Elisha] answered, ‘Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.’ And Elisha prayed, and said, ‘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” (2 Kings 6:16-17).

Elisha, like the psalmist, could stand in the midst of crisis and say with absolute assurance, “I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around” (Psalm 3:6).

Let your prayer be that of Elisha: “Lord, open my eyes that I may see the mountains filled with horses and chariots of fire — the Lord of hosts!” Beloved, there is hope! The Lord of hosts is with us. He alone is our keeper. He will not let his children slip or fall. We are held in the palm of his hand. Be assured that he is with you to protect, guide, and refresh you in a new way today.