Surrounded

Surrounded. Hemmed in. Trapped. No way out.
2020 can make you and me feel surrounded by an insurmountable army of evil.
Pick your surrounding army(s). Covid-19. Economic setback. Election confusion. Violent protests. Corruption. Hatred and division. Need I add anything else?
When you and I are surrounded by evil, we have two choices: surrender to fear or stand firm with faith.
II Kings 6:8-23 records the incredible story of the prophet Elisha who was surrounded by a massive, marauding, murderous army. Here is the Cliff Note version of what happened.
King Aram hated Elisha because he warned the King of Israel that Aram was going to kill him in an ambush. Israel’s King was saved, which ignited Aram’s wrath toward Elisha.
During the night, the Aramean king sent “a great army that surrounded the city” (verse 14) where Elisha was. In the early morning, Elisha’s servant peered out the window and saw a sea of enemies with horses and chariots circling the city. Fearful, the trembling servant turned to Elisha, saying “what shall we do?”
In verse 16 Elisha replied “So he answered: Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” Mr. Servant, don’t push the panic button!
In verse 17 Elisha prayed and said “O Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” And the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he saw; and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.” WOW! The servant saw what Elisha knew was there, God’s mighty army encircling the enemy troops.
Then in verses 18-23 Elisha asked the Lord to blind the Arameans while Elisha led them to Samaria where he did not kill them but put on a feast for them and sent them home! They never attacked Israel again.     
Three things Elisha did that blow me away.

1. Do not be afraid servant. No need for fear. Almighty God is near! Those with us are more than those with them. God’s heavenly army far outnumbers Satan’s hellish troops. MORE THAN THEM!
2. The servant’s eyes were opened to actually see the heavenly host! Can you imagine what that looked like! I am getting spiritual goose bumps right now! Man’s wood chariots would be no match for God’s chariots of fire!
3. Elisha spared the enemy. He showed them amazing mercy. Talk about the spirit of Christ in Elisha. I wonder if I would have spared them. I like to think I might have.

Here is what I take from this true story. When surrounded by evil enemies, God surrounds them with greater numbers. More, not less spiritual troops. The heavenly warfare described in Ephesians 6:10-20 doesn’t give Satan the upper hand.  He is outnumbered, outmanned, outgunned if you will, and can never win! Hallelujah!
What does this mean for you and me as 2020 winds down? It means God’s people win over evil. Every situation. Every time. No exceptions.
Maybe we need to open our eyes to see that there are more for us than for them. What do you think?  
I think that is a fantastic idea that I need to put into practice more often. Oh Lord, give me a heart and eyes of faith to see what is really going on, that I am on the winning side even when seemingly surrounded.
Remember when surrounded we have two choices: surrender to fear or stand firm with faith.     
Standing Firm in Faith When Surrounded

• Always remember that Almighty God is for you, with you and working on your behalf.   Who or what on earth or from hell can stand against Him?
• God’s heavenly forces far outnumber hell’s menacing evil minions. No contest.
• Resolutely resist the spirit of fear when surrounded. Resolve to put your faith in God.
• Fix your eyes on God who surrounds the enemy who surrounds you.
• Watch God do His thing in vanquishing inferior forces that come against you.
• Rejoice, again I say rejoice, that the battle is the Lord’s and He never loses!

When Satan surrounds God’s people, God protects His loved ones by surrounding the devil with superior forces and decisively defeating him.
I am still soaking this up folks. Though God’s resources are often invisible, they are really there, fighting on our behalf. By the way, I read the end of the Bible which makes it clear that God’s side wins and Satan loses. Glory to God!
Feeling surrounded, overwhelmed by evil? Take your eyes off the evil. Focus your faith on a good God who delivers His people from evil.
Fear of a few, or faith for many. You decide.
“If God be for us, who can be against us.” (Romans 8:31). I heard a pastor say “If God is for us, everybody else might as well be!” Amen to that!
“You are of God little children and have overcome them, because greater is He (Jesus) who is in you than he (Satan) who is in the world.” I John 4:4
A Word For Your  Week: Never surrender your faith when surrounded by evil.