Overwhelmed!

Most of us have felt like we have been backed into a corner at one time or another. We wake up one morning to a multitude of unplanned events: weather disasters, illness, loss of a loved one, loss of income, and even costly mistakes. Things can look hopeless; however, it is what we do next that counts.

When Elisha’s servant (Gehazi) woke one morning and saw the overwhelming odds against the two of them, he panicked and said, “What will we do now?” However, Elisha viewed what his servant could not see: The Mountain was covered with horses and chariots of fire all around. Heaven had them covered. When the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, he could see the same thing.

2 Kings: 6:15 -17 (NIV) says, “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. “Don’t be afraid!” Elisha told him. “For there are more on our side than on theirs!” 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.”

John reminded us of Jesus’ teaching when he wrote to encourage other believers who felt boxed in by persecution.

“The one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” [1 John 4:4], and when two of Jesus’ disciples felt their world had caved in after Jesus’ death, the same question probably tore at their emotions! What will we do? Then they saw the truth – “Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized Him, but He disappeared from their sight.” [Luke 24:31]

The familiar phrase “It’s what you do next that counts,” challenges us. Situations will try to knock us off our feet, but instead of staying down, we fight and get up. Do we focus on our problems, or do we ask Jesus to open our spiritual eyes and trust Him, believing He is greater than our circumstances? The choice is ours!

 Faith step: Is there a difficulty you are facing? Ask Jesus to open your eyes, to help you see the truth, and to trust Him for the outcome.

 Prayer:
Loving God, please grant us peace of mind and calm our troubled hearts. Our soul is like a turbulent sea. We cannot seem to find our balance, so we stumble and worry constantly. Give us the strength and clarity of mind to find our purpose and walk the path you have laid out for us. Whenever we feel overwhelmed by what we see ahead of us, open our spiritual eyes so we will be reminded of your Glory. Amen!