14 So one night the king of Aram sent a great army with many chariots and horses to surround the city.
15 When the servant of the man of God got up early the next morning and went outside, there were troops, horses, and chariots everywhere. “Oh, sir, what will we do now?” the young man cried to Elisha.
16 “Don’t be afraid!” Elisha told him. “For there are more on our side than on theirs!”17 Then Elisha prayed, “O Lord, open his eyes and let him see!” The Lord opened the young man’s eyes, and when he looked up, he saw that the hillside around Elisha was filled with horses and chariots of fire. 2 Kings 6:14-17 (NLT)
Unless you have been in Disney World and only watched “Mickey TV,” you are aware of the killing going on in Iraq and Gaza. The pictures of children killed by militants who seem to have no moral compass is difficult to understand. Politicians line up on both sides of any given question, more often than not, making their decisions based on what will further their own agendas. And we as Christians fall to our knees and echo the words of Elisha’s servant, “Oh, sir, what will we do now?”
There are many situations in our world, not just in the Middle East, where innocent people are in the midst of a war or are murdered because they are living their lives and someone decided to kill them. No reason given. There are people, good people, who are battling cancer or other painful, life-ending diseases. These horrific events do not seem to care about age, race, economic means or faith beliefs. Drownings in backyard pools and beaches, motor vehicle accidents with drunk drivers, and shootings in “good” neighborhoods make for confusing thoughts and challenges to our faith. Why, God?! Why?!
What can we do? Is God asking Christians to pick up guns and go into battle? Does God want us to write our congress members? What can I do?
Pray. And here comes an outcry – What does that do? We’ve done that and do not see God answering our cries.
I submit to you that we haven’t prayed enough. We need to sit down with God and talk to Him, but we need to listen more. I believe God has a Word and a plan for us and we are so bent on our own agenda and reasonings that we have not listened. We do not yet see Who is standing with us. We do not have confidence that God Almighty will execute His plan. We do not live in the knowledge of God’s love for us and know that His plan, His way, is best. Do we see God’s Army around these conflicts? Are we praying with that power and knowledge? Remember the despair of Friday night when Jesus Christ laid in the tomb? The disciples lay awake in fear and certainty that all was lost in God’s Kingdom. But – then – came – Sunday – morning!
May we pray with the power and truth of God before us! May we pray with eyes that see and a heart that is full of God’s love and compassion for all His children!
My Heart Will Trust written by Rueben Morgan & sung by Hillsong Worship Team
