Sometimes life is hard. Relationships, work, finances, home problems, car problems, friend issues, family dynamics; it can all just be hard. Maybe you are facing a situation that you never thought you would find yourself in. Maybe you are looking at the circumstances and you just do not see how God is present and working. You feel overwhelmed, discouraged, and ready to throw in the towel. But sometimes we are only looking at these things through our earthly lens and we have no clue of all the ways that God is working on our behalf.
In 2 Kings we see a story about the prophet Elisha. Elisha had been a great asset to the Israelites against the King of Aram. The King of Aram would develop a plan for attack against the Israelites and would pick a place to mobilize his troops. The prophet Elisha would warn the King of Israel to not go to that location because the Lord had told him that King Aram’s troops would be there. Of course, this frustrated King Aram tremendously and he wanted to know who was the traitor telling all his plans. His officers replied that Elisha was receiving word and warning the King of Israel. The King of Aram sent his troops with many chariots and horses to surround the city that Elisha was staying in.
“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.’” 2 Kings 6:15-17
The servant could only see the troops and horses surrounding them. He was terrified and didn’t see how God could help them in this situation. It looked like there was no hope of survival. But Elisha saw more than just the obstacle in front of him. He could see the workings on God in the hidden places. He could see the battle the Lord was ready to fight. He knew that His God could defend against anything and protect them if He wanted.
The story continues that God blinded the soldiers of King Aram and as they advanced towards Elisha that the prophet confused them on their location and they left for another city. After they got to the city of Samaria their eyes were opened.
Sometimes we can only see the danger directly in front of us. We are so overwhelmed by the circumstances that we just do not know how God can possibly use this for good and protect us through it. But God is always working behind the scenes. Even when we cannot see it, He is working. He can find ways to intervene even when there doesn’t seem to be a way. We should find comfort in knowing that God is capable and able and present whether or not we see it or feel it.
This blog was written by Amy Carrico.
Last Updated on October 27, 2025
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