Copng with Corona

Coping with Your Corona

2 Kings 6:8-18.

2 Kings 6:8-18 (NKJV) 8 Now the king of Syria was making war against Israel; and he consulted with his servants, saying, "My camp will be in such and such a place." 9 And the man of God sent to the king of Israel, saying, "Beware that you do not pass this place, for the Syrians are coming down there." 10 Then the king of Israel sent someone to the place of which the man of God had told him. Thus he warned him, and he was watchful there, not just once or twice. 11 Therefore the heart of the king of Syria was greatly troubled by this thing; and he called his servants and said to them, "Will you not show me which of us is for the king of Israel?" 12 And 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 in your bedroom." 13 So he said, "Go and see where he is, that I may send and get him." And it was told him, saying, "Surely he is in Dothan." 14 Therefore he sent horses and chariots and a great army there, and they came by night and surrounded the city. 15 And when the servant of the man of God arose early and went out, there was an army, surrounding the city with horses and chariots. And his servant said to him, "Alas, my master! What shall we do?" 16 So he answered, "Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them." 17 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. 18 So when the Syrians came down to him, Elisha prayed to the LORD, and said, "Strike this people, I pray, with blindness." And He struck them with blindness according to the word of Elisha.

So what in the world do you do when you don't know what to do? What do you do when you don't know which way to turn? What choice do you make when you feel shut up and have no place to go? This morning report is that Coronavirus is still spreading. On Today, March 28, 2020, the Corona Virus global numbers was 660,386 cases tested positive and 31,231 and in the United States was 121,959 cases positive and 2,042 death, according to CNN: Johns Hopkins University. People are asking what shall we do.

Feeling helpless is one of the most frustrating and humiliating feelings a man can have. Men like to have some kind of control over their lives. Most hard-working, responsible men like to have some kind of plan, work their plan, and reach their goals without interruptions, distractions, or obstacles. When traveling on the roads of life, we want to get to our destination without flat tires, break downs, or sickness. If problems like these arise, we usually overcome them with patience.

There are moments in time, however, that you and I are confronted with situations that leave life out of control. We feel surrounded with no escape, no way out, and feeling utterly helpless. Many today have

· A loved one may be on his or her sick bed.

· You may have a serious health problem.

· You experience a major financial setback and have no resources to pay the bills.

· Wayward loved ones are running from the Lord.

· Your marriage is crumbling.

· You have an enemy that is trying to harm you physically, socially, emotionally, or financially.

· So what in the world do you do when you don't know what to do?

When you feel hounded, pounded, astounded, and surrounded by problems that seem to be compounded each passing day. So what in the world do you do when you don't know what to do? What do you do when you don't know which way to turn? What choice do you make when you feel shut up and have no place to go?

It is in this portion of 2 Kings that we find some answers in this tremendous story that took place in history. This chapter teaches us how to cope with our corona. Let's get started. Notice verse eight.

I. The Plan of the Sovereign 6:8

Then the king of Syria warred against Israel, and took counsel with his servants, saying, In such and such a place shall be my camp.

Syria is on the warpath again with Israel. The king has made plans with his servants to camp and set up headquarters in a certain area in order to prepare for battle. Strife was the "norm" between these two nations. Even today, there is tension between these two countries. The Syrian king worshiped Rimmon who was the Syrian god of war. It should be of no surprise that the king was warlike in his behavior.

We have a tendency to become what we worship or that which we idolize and worship. For this reason, this is why many young people and young adults have become violent, vicious killers because the film or music stars they idolize are preaching that message.

In the same manner, this is why folks who worship the Lord Jesus Christ are Christlike, loving, and godly. Let me ask, "Do you worship Him?" Understand that worship is a way of life, not something that is done just on Sunday. It is an every day, every week affair.

II. The Perception of the Seer or Prophet 6:9

And the man of God sent unto the king of Israel, saying, Beware that thou pass not such a place; for thither the Syrians are come down.

The Lord revealed to Elisha what was going on with the Syrian army. He knows the secrets of men. Nothing can be hidden from Him. He knows your secrets, too..

Elisha's relevant, up-to-date information would help in the survival of the king of Israel and the nation of Israel. By the way, let me hit the brakes and say that those men that preach God's Word truthfully have the same information today for our government leaders, for the survival of our nation, and for eternal survival in Heaven.

Let me make it hugely clear that the Bible is not out of date or behind the times. How can it be when it reveals what is going to happen in the future? How can it be irrelevant when it is the message of the God of the universe.

It is an ungodly world that is out of touch with reality and truth. Wickedness and rebellion against God lead to destruction. Fantasy living leads to failure, frustration, and fear. Following the Lord and faith in Jesus Christ lead to life eternal, love, peace, and joy.

Elisha sent a message Federal Express to his king and warned him to avoid a place where the enemy would be gathered. The king's life would be in danger. God had revealed to Elisha the schemes and exact battle plans of the Syrian king. You talk about a "spy network," Israel had one for sure that could not be beat.

Let me say here that much of the ministry of God's preachers today is to warn of danger, which includes places that you should avoid. We warn our people to avoid the sin pits of this world that flow with immorality and mind-altering drugs. Every preacher is accountable for his preaching. The burden of responsibility falls upon preachers, especially to those that fail to warn of the dangers of sin and unbelief. Ezekiel revealed this principle.

Let me be blunt here. If you are worried about hurting people's feelings or offending someone by preaching against sin, then don't be a preacher. Preachers are NOT to be on a popularity quest. They are to be God's messengers that boldly and unashamedly say, "Thus saith the Lord!" They are to be in the exhorting business, not the entertainment business. Preach the Word!

If folks want to get mad, then let them get mad at God's Word. You don't have to be ugly when you preach the truth. You can preach it with great compassion and concern. Tell folks the truth and don't trim it! Warn them of the consequences of rejecting Christ and living in sin.

As you all know, this pandemic has caused many people to panic. Fears are rising all around the world. People who have never felt anxious before are suddenly weighed down with worry and are not sure what to do next. Travel is banned. Schools and businesses are closed. Many small business owners are hurting financially. People are panic buying, hoarding toilet paper and hand sanitizer.

I think one of the reasons that viral outbreaks are so scary to so many people is that you can’t see the enemy. Germs and bacteria are microscopic, so you never see them coming. If infected people or surfaces had a green glowing aura or something like that, we would know who to avoid and what not to touch. But we can’t see microbes like viruses, and that, I think, just escalates people’s fears.

Thankfully, viruses and bacteria are not the only things that can’t be seen with the naked eye. The Bible tells us there is a whole unseen world all around us. In fact, the Bible says, “we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen” (2 Corinthians 4:18 NASB). This is such a strange statement, isn’t it? How do we look at the things which are not seen?

While you contemplate that question, I’d like to share a story with you from the Old Testament. The story is found in 2 King 6, so if you want to open up your Bible or Bible app and follow along, you can turn to 2 King 6.

First, let me give you a little background.

The Kingdom of Israel is at war with the Kingdom of Aram, but the King of Israel seems to be able to predict Aram’s every move. Everywhere Aram’s army goes, Israel is one step ahead–so much so that the King of Aram assumes he has a spy in his camp. But there is no spy; rather, God is speaking to the prophet Elisha and giving him inside information – divine knowledge and divine vision – and Elisha is passing that knowledge on to the King of Israel.

When the King of Aram realizes what’s happening, he sends his army to find Elisha and capture him. So one morning, Elisha’s servant pulls back the curtains and he discovers that their house is totally surrounded by Aram’s army. Just as many of us would do in his situation, he calls out in fear and panic, “Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?” (2 Kings 6:15 NIV).

Now we might expect Elisha to come up with a cunning plan to make an undercover exit, or to run and hide somewhere hoping they won’t be found, or to hand himself over to make things go as smoothly as possible. Instead, Elisha calmly replies, “Don't be afraid. While we are shut in, have faith. The Bible is full of men and women of faith that reached God, pleased God, and honored God. On some occasions the Lord had to prompt faith, straighten out faith, and demand faith. Faith that sees the invisible,

Faith that expects the incredible,

Faith that receives the impossible,

Faith that can conquer anything.

Faith that removes our problems,

Faith that knows God can solve them,

Faith to vision our freedom,

Faith that can conquer anything.

Faith to reach the unreachable,

Faith to fight the unbeatable,

Faith to remove the unmovable,

Faith that withstands the invincible,

Faith that can conquer anything. We have more forces on our side than they have on theirs” (2 Kings 6:16 GWT). Elisha’s servant was completely perplexed, so Elisha prayed, “O LORD, open his eyes and let him see!” (2 Kings 6:17 NLT). The Man of GOD use this time to pray can I talk to someone who is shut up in the house use this time to talk to GOD. PRAY, People , don't do miss this Pray. Prayers still changes things.The Bible has so much to say about prayer: when to pray, who to pray to, who can pray, why we need to pray, the way to pray, and what to pray for. Prayer is talking to and listening to God. It is intimate fellowship with God. Prayer calls for faith in the Lord Jesus and a right relationship with God. There is Power in Prayer.

It is such a tragedy that the greatest power there is on earth is so often overlooked. We suffer so much at the hands of the enemy that could so easily be avoided if we just took time to pray. It is not that the enemy is so strong, that many of Gods people are discouraged and defeated, but because we so often fail to use the greatest weapon we have which is (Prayer) Like never before It is time to Pray. And it’s time to pray like never before. There are all kinds of prayer, there is a prayer to fit each particular situation or condition. There is public prayer- Private prayer Individual Prayer- Corporate prayer. Long prayers Short prayers, Standing prayers - Sitting down prayers Laying on your face prayers, While you walk prayers The prayer of faith, The prayer of petition, The prayer of intercession The prayer of submission, The prayer of repentance. We need to pray. Notice that:

That Prayer is vital for the believer to be successful in spiritual warfare. **The believer hasn’t even begun to fight until he learns to pray) Prayer is not simply an afterthought to the believers arsenal of spiritual weapons, Prayer is in fact the way that the believer implements his spiritual weapons against the enemy.

*For many Christians prayer is their last resort (when all else fails pray) *For others it is only a way of getting things from God (getting their needs met) But for these who have understood the armor of God and it’s purpose, prayer becomes a mighty weapon in itself. E.m. Bounds says: Prayer is the great, universal force to advance God’s cause; Not to pray is a denial of God, a denial of his existence, a denial of his nature and a denial of his purposes toward mankind. He farther says: Praying men are the only men in which the Holy Spirit dwells, for the Holy Spirit and prayer go hand-in-hand. The Holy Spirit never descends upon prayerless men. He never fills them, he never empowers them. There is nothing whatever in common between the Spirit of God and men who do not pray. The Spirit dwells only in a prayer atmosphere. God answers Elisha’s prayer, and Elisha’s servant looks out the window to see an army of angels—the entire hillside was covered with horses and chariots of fire. Then, as the Aramean army advanced toward them, Elisha again prayed to the Lord, “Please strike these people with blindness” (2 Kings 6:18 GWT). And, again, God answered Elisha’s prayer and struck the enemy army blind.

Full of confidence and bravado, Elisha walks out to the Arameans and, in their confusion, convinces them that they’ve arrived at the wrong city. He offers to lead them to the man they’re looking for and, since they haven’t got much choice, the soldiers follow Elisha all the way to the neighboring city of Samaria. He leads them right to the heart of the city, then prays again, “O Lord, now open their eyes and let them see!” (2 Kings 6:20 NLT). As their vision returns, they quickly realize that they’ve been duped. The Arameans are now the ones surrounded by Samaria’s army. The king of Samaria asks Elisha, “Shall I kill them all?”

Elisha replied, “Of course not! Do we kill prisoners of war? Give them food and drink and send them home again to their master” (2 Kings 6:22 NLT). So the king made a great feast for them and then sent them home to Aram. And, the Bible says, “After that, the Aramean raiders stayed away from the land of Israel” (2 King 6:23 NLT).

That’s quite a story, isn’t it!? Of course, the question is—what do we learn from this story? The central theme of the story is the ability to see. First, Elishia prays that his servant’s eyes would be open so that he could see. Then he prays that his enemies would be unable to see. Then he prays again that they would be able to see.

It all raises a question for us: are you looking at the things which are seen or the things that are unseen? I’d like to point out three things in this story that were unseen but ever-present. These same three things are present in your life and mine, even though they may go unseen at times.

The first unseen thing is God’s presence.

• GOD’S PRESENCE

When Elisha’s servant looked outside all he saw were enemy soldiers, surrounding them on all sides and closing in. Immediately panic set in and fear began rising. But when Elisha prayed that God would open his eyes, he suddenly realized that the God of angel armies was on their side. God, the Almighty creator of the cosmos, was with them. He’s with you, too.

So, the first unseen thing we should look for is God’s presence. Furthermore, we ought to look for God’s protection.

• GOD’S PROTECTION

The Bible tells us, “The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them” (Psalm 34:7 NIV). That’s just what Elisha’s servant saw when he peered out the window. God lifted the veil between the earthly realm and the spiritual realm and allowed him to see an army of angels riding fiery chariots encamped around the unwitting enemy army.

Jesus also mentions this massive angel army. When Peter draws his sword to prevent the soldiers from arresting Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus rebukes Peter, saying, “Don’t you realize that I could ask my Father for twelve legions of angels to protect us, and he would send them instantly?” (Matthew 26:53). Twelve legions equal 72,000. That’s a lot of angels! Jesus, of course, didn’t need that protection because He knew it was God’s will to go to the cross, but very often we do need protecting. Especially in perilous times like this, we need to see God’s angels surrounding us, protecting us and reminding us that God is mightier than any enemy we might face.

The problem is, as humans, we want to see God’s protection as a magic force field that keeps us from all harm. Yes, God can prevent any evil or disaster but we must remember that we live in a fallen world where we have free will. Many times, God works in ways that we do not understand. Sometimes God's protection comes in the form of peace and strength in the middle of despair. Other times God's protection comes as an ending because he sees something more on the horizon that we cannot see.

Finally, in addition to God’s presence and protection, we ought to look for God’s providence.

• GOD’S PROVIDENCE

God’s providence refers to God’s plans and provision. You cannot read this 2 Kings 6 without getting a strong sense of God’s providence. As this sequence of unusual events unfolds, it becomes more and more obvious that it was all part of God’s plan. And even though we may not see it or understand it, everything we’re going through right now is part of God’s plan too.

God is wise

God is holy

God is good

God is eternal

God is loving

God is merciful

God is gracious

We ought to agree that…

God wants us to love one another

God wants us to forgive one another

God wants us to pray for one another

God wants us to exhort one another

God wants us to encourage one another

God wants us to accept one another

God wants us to be kind to one another

The Perplexity of the Syrian King 6:11

Therefore the heart of the king of Syria was sore troubled for this thing; and he called his servants, and said unto them, Will ye not shew me which of us is for the king of Israel?

Every move that Syria made had failed. The king was "sore troubled" about this. This phrase is from the Hebrew word ca'ar {saw-ar'} which means that the king was in a violent, angry rage. In fact this same word is used to describe a tornado, severe storm, or hurricane. Needless to say, he was upset and frustrated. Nothing was going right! Nothing was working! Everything was falling apart. I imagine he wanted to scream.

Have you ever been in this boat? You feel like the world is caving in on you or you are cornered by problems that cost money. Listen, God does not want us to go through life being frustrated or feeling trapped in a comer. Frustration will not help you cope with your comers when you are stuck there. If we do not respond properly, frustration may cause you to vent your anger on your loved ones, creating more problems and making your comer even smaller. Is this you?

So what do you do pastor? Trust God to work matters out. He will if you let Him. We can overcome our frustration and stress. We can get out of the comer with His help. Thank God for that!

1 Peter 5:7—Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Proverbs 3:5-6—Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Nothing was going right for King Benhadad. He was frustrated! He became suspicious and asked his own men, "Who is the spy? Who is the traitor?" He was looking for someone to blame for the failure of his plans. If there was a spy, I'm sure he would be eager to volunteer that information! Haha! Right!

Wicked Benhadad does not comprehend that God knows every thing and God is calling the shots. By the way the Lord still knows everything and He is still calling the shots. The psalmist asked in Psalm 73:11 what does the Lord know? Does the Lord know what is happening? The answer is "Yes."

Hebrews 4:13—Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

God showed to Elisha information that he needed to save his people. He has done this before in Bible history.

· He showed Joseph the interpretation of Pharaoh's dream.

· He showed Daniel the dream and the interpretation of the king.

· He showed Noah how to survive the Flood and save the human race from extinction.

· He showed John and Paul the future so we could prepare for the Rapture and the Second Coming of Christ. He revealed the signs we should look out for in world events. Are you ready?

V. The Plan to Spy and Seize Elisha 6:12-13

And one of his servants said, None, my lord, O king: but Elisha, the prophet that is in Israel, telleth the king of Israel the words that thou speakest in thy bedchamber. 13 And he said, Go and spy where he is, that I may send and fetch him. And it was told him, saying, Behold, he is in Dothan.

The servant of the king spoke up and assured the king that no one was a traitor. It looked that way to the king, but his assumption was incorrect. Our assumptions can be wrong too, when we don't have all the facts or when appearances are not as they seem to be. When in doubt, ask questions and get the facts.

The servant told the king that the prophet Elisha was the informant of the king's battle plans. Elisha, the man of God, was Israel's secret weapon. Elisha knew the king's words that were spoken in one of his most private places, his own bedroom. I wonder how the servant knew that Elisha was the informant and if he knew, why did he not say something earlier?

The king issued an order to find out Elisha's location and capture him. The king wants to know the location of Elisha and they find him. He is in Dothan which is about twelve miles north of Samaria.

The foolishness of King Benhadad is revealed here. If Elisha knew the previous plans of attack, what would prevent him from discovering the plans to capture him? Nothing! Benhadad reminds us of the foolishness of an unsaved world. Note the words of Paul who dealt with a lot of stupidity and craziness as he preached the Gospel.

VII. The Panic of the Servant 6:15

And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do?

You talk about feeling cornered. When the servant awakened the next morning, he found that the horizon was not clear but hazy and veiled with clouds of dust stirred up by multitudes of chariots, horses, and soldiers. The screams of horses, the clanging of iron, the rumble of rolling chariots and running horses could be heard in the distance. Like diamonds sparkling in the sunlight, spears and swords glistened when they caught any rays of an eastern sunrise that may have broke through the dust and kissed their edges.

It was not a heavenly sight. It was a horrifying one. It did not create peace within this man. It created panic. How would you like to wake up in the morning and wagons of woe, worry, and doom were circling you? Not a fun predicament to be in at all. The servant was frozen with fear and cried to Elisha, "What shall we do?"

His response was typical of people who are stuck in a comer. Can you relate to him? What are we going to do now? Have you been there and done that? Most of us have. His circumstances were overwhelming. He was literally surrounded by problems. He felt he was cornered with no way out.

Let me say that if all you can see are problems, you will be afraid.

· Fear is the result of having tunnel vision, in not seeing the whole picture.

· Fear does not strengthen our faith or motivate us in our service for the Lord. Instead, it tends to hinder us from doing what the Lord has called us to do.

· Fear causes us to forget the triumphs of the past, the power and might of Almighty God, and the promises of God's Word. This is why Israel did not go into the Promised Land the first time. The fear of the people paralyzed them and sent them running.

Beloved, God does not want us to be panicky people. Paul said in 2 Timothy 1:7, "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." The word "sound" is from the Greek word sophronizo {so-fron-id'-zo} which means "to restore one to his senses; to have self control; to hold one to his duty." This kind of mind should characterize the Christian. We are supposed to have our act together, even when we are cornered.

Yes, there are many things in the world to make us afraid… cancer, diseases, accidents, crime, natural catastrophes, or financial setbacks. There is, however, much more in our faith to make us unafraid. Fear not tomorrow. God is already there.

When we get a proper perspective on our problems, it helps us deal with our fears. For example, under a microscope, spiders, ants, or bed bugs can look horrifying because they are magnified. When they are not magnified, they are a small bugs.

We have a tendency to put our problems under microscopes and magnify them. If we will look at them from God's viewpoint, they are not so big after all. This is how Elisha coped with his corner and responded to his problem.

VIII. The Poise From Seeing the Unseen 6:16

And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.

Elisha told the servant to not be afraid at all. We outnumber those guys! Elisha responded with confidence, peace, and faith. He viewed the situation from God's point of view and was aware of God's power, presence, and protection. The servant may have been confused or doubted what he said, but Elisha knew what he was talking about. As we will see, God's protection and care were very real.

Folks, faith in the Lord and His Word give us calm and peace. It is what helps us to cope with our comers.

Romans 5:1—Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

Repeatedly, we are reminded to not be afraid and we don't have to be fearful. We don't have to be a bunch of worry warts.

Psalm 3:6—I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.

Psalm 27:3—Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.

Romans 8:31—What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?

1 John 4:4—Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

If you are a fearful person that tends to worry a lot, then spend more time in the Scriptures.

Romans 10:17—So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

The Bible increases our faith and helps us to cope with our comers. It helps us to see the unseen. That is what happened in the life of Moses.

Hebrews 11:27—By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.

Faith helps us to comprehend the fact that God is working on our behalf though we cannot see Him. In the book of Esther, there is no mention of the Lord, yet, He was working behind the scenes. Some folks may say, "I don't see God doing anything." The problem may be your eyesight instead of God's power and abilities.

Those without the Lord do not comprehend the presence of the Lord and His working in the lives of Christians. There are times when Christians don't comprehend His presence either. They feel the Lord has forsaken them, but I assure you, He has not. When you understand that you are never alone as a Christian, it will help you to cope with your comers.

Hebrews 13:5b—I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

· Pharaoh failed to understand God's presence and power in Egypt, but Moses understood it well.

· Nero in Rome failed to understand God's presence in the lives of Christians that he tortured, burned, and fed to lions for their faith in Christ. Those believers, however, understood their source of strength and peace.

· Voltaire underestimated the power and presence of God. He boasted to overthrow Christianity. After he died, the Geneva Bible Society purchased his house and press to print the Scriptures that he said would become extinct. His final words on his death bed were, "I am abandoned by God and man. I shall go to Hell."

· Abraham knew that God was with him. He went out, not knowing where he was going and looked for a city whose builder and maker was God.

IX. The Prayer for Sight 6:17-18

And Elisha prayed, and said, Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha. 18 And when they came down to him, Elisha prayed unto the Lord, and said, Smite this people, I pray thee, with blindness. And he smote them with blindness according to the word of Elisha.

Elisha prayed and asked, "Lord, show him what I see! Open his eyes!" We should pray the same thing when it comes to choices that have to be made in this life. We should ask the Lord for wisdom to make the right choices and to discern what is foolish, evil, and destructive. We should also ask the Lord to open our eyes to the wonderful truths of Scripture.

Psalm 119:18—Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.

Lord, open his eyes! We should all be praying that prayer. That statement reminds me of parents praying for their wayward children. They are praying their eyes be opened and they would be saved or get right with the Lord. Wives are praying that the eyes of the husbands be open and they would turn to the Lord. If you do not know the Lord, there is someone praying for you that your eyes be opened and that you will put your faith in Jesus Christ for the salvation of your soul.

The eyes of the servant were opened and the mountain of Dothan was surrounded with horses and chariots of fire. That must have been quite a sight. Were angels driving the chariots? It does not say, so we don't know for sure. We do know that God commands angels to take care of us.

1. They surround those that fear the Lord.

Psalm 34:7—The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.

2. They cannot be numbered there are so many of them.

Hebrews 12:22—But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,

3. The writer of the book of Hebrews stated that angels are servants who are sent out to take care of those who are saved.

Hebrews 1:14—Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?

4. In fact, it is also possible to actually know an angel and not even know it is an angel.

Hebrews 13:2—Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

5. They are strong and commanded by the Lord.

Psalm 103:20—Bless the Lord, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.

Does God provide protection or care for us today? Are there unseen forces at work on our behalf in our day? The psalmist said in Psalm 91, "For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways" (Psalm 91:11). Nothing has changed as far as I can tell. Angels follow God's orders and work for our benefit. Angels are not all powerful. They are not all knowing. They are not to be worshiped.

Elisha prayed that the servant's eyes be opened and he prayed that the Syrian's eyes be blinded by the Lord. This blindness was a sudden blindness. It was a temporary, partial blindness that left them dazed, shocked, in a state of confusion, bewilderment, and an inability to recognize their surroundings. They did not comprehend their whereabouts. We know this because they were able to travel 12-15 miles to Samaria.

In the face of insurmountable problems that surrounded Elisha and his servant, God took care of his man. He provided for his needs and protected him, even though you could say he was backed into a comer. Nothing would happen to him unless it was allowed by God. That is the same truth taught in Titus 2:14 when we are referred to as peculiar people.

Titus 2:14—Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

The word "peculiar" is formed from two words which mean "to be around." We are surrounded by God's care. Because of that truth, we can cope when we are in a comer.

The Lord is my light and my salvation—

whom should I fear?

The Lord is the stronghold of my life—

of whom should I be afraid? . . .

Though an army deploys against me,

my heart is not afraid;

though a war breaks out against me,

still I am confident. (Ps 27:1,3)

The one who lives under the protection of the Most High

dwells in the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say to theLord,

“My refuge and my fortress,

my God, in whom I trust.” (Ps 91:1-2)

Jerusalem—the mountains surround her.

And theLord surrounds His people,

both now and forever. (Ps 125:2)