By Ronald Berniet, Master Builder Minatries, Fall River, MA.
Tonight I went for a walk alone. My wife was at a meeting and I just needed some time with the Lord. There are times when you need to encourage yourself in the Lord. Those around you might not realize that they, too, must walk by faith to encourage others. What happens if those called to encourage need encouragement? It is easy to pick up negative reports, even that are grounded in the natural instead of the supernatural.
When Elisha was surrounded by the Syrian army, his servant told him so.
“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?” So he answered, “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” 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 mountains was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.” 2 Kings 6:15-17
Can you imagine this scene? One grounded in reality and earthly sight. The other, required faith and revelation to see. Without this, the servant of the man of God could not believe and would be paralyzed in fear. How hard it is for those who are pragmatic to look up! Yes, they say they are walking by faith, but need all the i’s dotted and the t’s crossed to take the first steps. The oil must be in the jar, the wine must be in the vessel, the answer must be readily seen or easily obtained by human ingenuity or strength. If this is so, where is the miracle? Where is the expectation that God is calling one to launch into the deep?
Trusting in the leading of the Lord does not need to be without responsibility, but it cannot be fully trusting in the material self either. If so, why would we need Him, and who receives the glory? Call me what you like. I would rather fail trying to respond to the Lord’s call than play it safe and never trust Him. All I know is He is faithful, and able to guide our steps, even if corrective measures are called for. Therefore, I will put my trust in the Lord. Lord, open my eyes and those who are servants with me to see beyond the natural and be secure in Your protective hand. For there are more with us than against us!
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