Elijah & Elisha: Stories of Hope | Week One

I Can See Even When I Don’t See |  2 Kings 6:8-17

Hudson Taylor “I have often asked you to remember me in prayer… That need has never been greater than at the present… I cannot tell you how much I am buffeted sometimes by temptations… Often I am tempted to think that one so full of sin cannot be a child of God at all… Do pray for me. Pray that the Lord will keep me from sin, will sanctify me wholly, will use me largely in his service.”

Even men and women of faith can face times of deep despair.

Paul knew despair.

2 Corinthians 1:8 “We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about the troubles we experienced in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself.” 

Job knew despair.  

Job 10:1-3 “I loathe my very life; therefore I will give free rein to my complaint and speak out in the bitterness of my soul.  I say to God: Do not declare me guilty, but tell me what charges you have against me. Does it please you to oppress me, to spurn the work of your hands, while you smile on the plans of the wicked”.

Jeremiah knew despair.

Peter knew despair.

Your struggles can destroy your faith or instead they can strengthen it. 

Steve Smith “I don’t know what I don’t know.”

We don’t always see what God is doing.

2 Kings 6:8-17 “Now the king of Aram was at war with Israel. After conferring with his officers, he said, ‘I will set up my camp in such and such a place.’ 9 The man of God sent word to the king of Israel: ‘Beware of passing that place, because the Arameans are going down there.’ 10 So the king of Israel checked on the place indicated by the man of God. Time and again Elisha warned the king, so that he was on his guard in such places. Time and again Elisha warned the king.  This enraged the king of Aram. He summoned his officers and demanded of them, ‘Tell me! Which of us is on the side of the king of Israel?’ 12 ‘None of us, my lord the king,’ said one of his officers, ‘but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the very words you speak in your bedroom.’ ‘Go, find out where he is,’ the king ordered, ‘so I can send men and capture him.’ The report came back: ‘He is in Dothan.’ 14 Then he sent horses and chariots and a strong force there. They went by night and surrounded the city. When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. ‘Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?’ the servant asked. ‘Don’t be afraid,’ the prophet answered. ‘Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.’ 17 And Elisha prayed, ‘Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.’ Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.”

Spiritual resources are there even if you don’t see them.

Every Christian should know: God has your back!

God’s track record gives insight into what He does for His people.

Axiom “Past behavior is the best predictor of future behavior.”

Key Point: God is able to do the incredible because He is sovereign.

God has made promises, recorded in the Bible, that we can trust.

Isaiah 41:10 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Deuteronomy 31:8 “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

Psalm 46:1 “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”

Matthew 11:28-29 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Hudson Taylor “I cannot read, I cannot pray, I can scarcely even think – but I can trust.”