"The King of Syria was at war with Israel. He consulted his officers and chose a place to set up his camp. But Elisha sent word to the king of Israel, warning him not to go near that place, because the Syrians were waiting in ambush there. So the king of Israel warned the men who lived in that place, and they were on guard. This happened several times. The Syrian king became greatly upset over this; he called in his officers and asked them, "Which one of you is on the side of the king of Israel?" One of them answered, "No one is your majesty. The prophet Elisha tells the king of Israel what you say even in the privacy of your own room." "Find out where he is," the king ordered, "and I will capture him. When he was told that Elisha was in Dothan, he sent a large force there with horses and chariots. They reached the town at night and surrounded it." (II Kings 6:8-15) Elisha incurred the wrath of the King of Syria not for any other reason other than that he (Elisha) was playing his role as the Lord expected him to. Elisha was a man of God. As a servant of the Most High God, He served as the link between humanity and divinity. He was the individual who stood in the gap for Israel and its leadership. As expected of all God's children, Elisha maintained constant communication with Him. God deemed it fit to open his eyes of understanding to things that seemed hidden to an average person. Natural man in physical body can not understand spiritual mysteries. "Yet I do proclaim a message........ but it is not the wisdom that belongs to this world or to the powers that rule this world - powers that are losing their power. The wisdom I proclaim is God's secret wisdom,...... but it was to us that God made known His secret by means of His Spirit. The Spirit searches everything, even the hidden depths of God's purposes. It is only a person's own spirit within him that knows all about him; in the same way, only God's Spirit knows all about God. We have not received this world's spirit; instead, we have received the Spirit sent by God, so that we may know all that God has given us." (I Corinthians 2:6-12) Elisha faced opposition because his activities though pleasing to God and, of course, are of God, yet are to the detriment of the evil plans of the King of Syria. Elisha continually allowed God to use him to shatter the plans of the enemy. The plans of the adversary could not take off. No thanks to Elisha. Actually, Elisha owed it to the revelations from God through His Spirit to the man of God. Since it is hard to launch direct attack on God, the human instrument readily became the target. So what was vessel of God to do? While rejoicing that he was doing that which was acceptable in the sight of the King of heaven, landed in the bad book of the King of Syria. The King of the whole universe gave him thumbs up; a king on earth gave him thumbs down. More often than not we face similar - or almost similar - situation. We get caught in the line of fire. Doing the Lord's will at times may mean facing crisis. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego incurred the wrath of king Nebuchadnezzar while trying to do that which is acceptable before the Most High God. Daniel continued to honour the Lord's will and was pitched against a ruler by stratagem. Our activities - no matter how small or big it might seem - might be deemed offensive in some quarters. Our prayers - be it supplication, intercession, etc - do carry weight before God. The Lord has given us the power to tread upon serpents and scorpions and upon the power of the enemy. He also gave us the power to bind and loose on earth (realm of the physical) and so shall it be in heaven (realm of the spirit). When these powers or weapons are used, they do have tremendous influence in the spirit world. The activities of Satan and his cohorts are negatively affected. Demons are bind, made to flee or dispelled. The powers of darkness record little or no victory. The devil and his instruments can not have their way as they would. Satan is humiliated while glory goes to God. The forces of darkness are put into disarray even more when we begin to sing songs of praise and worship to the Lord. Of course, the Father of Light inhabits the praise of His children. And in His presence darkness flee! No matter how small or insignificant or not-so-reckoned-with our activities are, they do have affect. Please always keep this in mind. The devil usually wants us to think our supplications, intercessions, binding and loosing, praise & worship, etc are not insignificant. If only our eyes are opened to see what is going on in the realm of the spirit. Victories recorded in the spirit realm are translated into results in the realm of the physical. As we wax strong in faithfully serving the Lord, and we continue to fulfil our ministries as His Spirit leads and inspires, it is just a question of time before we become targets. Satan hates believers who have characteristics similar to that of Elisha. Believers whose ministries undermine the activities of forces of darkness in their communities and environments are likely to be targets of hate. Believers whose lives, ministries, lifestyles, speech, conduct, etc raises the awareness of Most High God, Lord Jesus, His kingdom and His will are despised. Believers whose activities expose the forces of darkness, and brings honour to Jesus are most likely not going to be spared of expression of hatred, conspiracy and persecution. Believers who bear their cross the way the Lord expects are bound to be hated. Did the Lord Jesus not tell us that "These things I have spoken to you, that in me you might have peace. In the world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33) The devil and his cohorts pick on such believers and attempt to traumatise their lives in the worst possible way. Satan has human instruments that demons can work through to achieve his evil purpose. We come across them very often. When the forces of darkness launch an onslaught, the attack tends to be overwhelming. It seems as if our entire world will collapse or has collapsed. We tend to feel lonely and isolated. It seems as if we are surrounded on all sides, and outnumbered by our adversaries. We might even feel we have reached the end of the road. "Find out where he is," the king ordered, "and I will capture him." When he was told that Elisha was in Dothan, he sent a large force there with horses and chariots. They reached the town at night and surrounded it. Early the next morning Elisha's servant got up, went out of the house, and saw the Syrian troops with their horses and chariots surrounding the town. He went back to Elisha and exclaimed, "We are doomed, sir! What shall we do?" (II Kings 6:13-15) "We are doomed, sir! What shall we do?" Such questions might come to mind when we find through when we go through similar situation. And how did the servant of God reply? By cursing the day he was born into the world like Job did? (Job 3:1-26). By cursing the day he was born into God's family? By giving up and asking God to take his life like Elijah? (I Kings 19:1-4). By giving up and allowing the enemies to feast on him? No. Rather, "Don't be afraid," Elijah answered, "We have more on our side than they have on theirs." "Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them." (II Kings 6:16) And guess what? That's true! Haven't you heard? "Why do the nations plan rebellion? Why do people make their useless plots? Their kings revolt, their rulers plot together against the Lord and against the king He chose. "Let us free ourselves from their rule," they say; "Let us throw off their control." From His throne in heaven the Lord laughs and mocks their feeble plans. Then He warns them in anger and terrifies them in His fury. "On Zion, My sacred hill," He says, "I have installed My king." "I will announce," says the king, "what the Lord has declared. He said to me: 'You are My son; today I have become your Father. Ask, and I will give you all the nations; the whole earth will be yours. You will break them with an iron rod; you will shatter them in pieces like a clay pot." Now listen to this warning, you kings; learn this lesson, you rulers of the world: serve the Lord with fear; tremble and bow to Him; or else His anger will be quickly aroused, and you will suddenly die. Happy are all who go to Him for protection." (Psalms 2:1-11) "These things have I spoken to you, that in me you will have peace," the Lord said, "In the world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33) Did the Lord not state in His word that 'no weapon will be able to hurt you; you will have an answer for all who accuse you. I will defend my servants and give them victory'? "If anyone attacks you, he does it without My consent; whoever fights against you will fall........ No weapon formed against you shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against you in judgement you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, says the Lord." (Isaiah 54:15,17) "All of you that honour the LORD and obey the words of His servants, the path you walk may be dark indeed, but trust in the LORD, rely on your God. All of you that plot to destroy others will be destroyed by your own plots. The LORD himself will make this happen; you will suffer a miserable fate." (Isaiah 50:10-11) One thing that is worth keeping in mind as believers is that God is always on our side. And indeed it is true as the scripture point out that "For God has said, "I will never leave you; I will never abandon you." Let us be bold, then, and say, "The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me?" (Hebrews 13:5-6) If God be for us, who can be against us. We ought to constantly reflect and pray about the truth expressed in II Timothy 1:7: "For God has not give us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." "When the enemy shall come like a flood." the scripture stated, "the Spirit of God shall raise standard against it." The Lord is more than able to live up to His word; if only we can stand on the word of His promises. That which He was able to do in the past, He is able to do today. If He can shield Elisha from the fiery darts of the wicked, He can do the same for you. Ask yourself this question: Am I doing what God wants me to do? If I run into difficulty or opposition, is it because of my activity in His kingdom or is it because I am running my own agenda? Be sincere in the answer you give yourself. When you are operating hand in glove with God and His Spirit, whether you are aware of it or not, things are bound to happen that will lead to the advancement of His kingdom. Likewise, things are bound to happen that will be to the detriment of the forces of darkness - whether we are conscious of it or not. The issue is not that we are spared from challenges. If you are exercising your ministry the way He directs you, you will face challenges. Satan knows you and hates you to the core. He probably approached God to petition you like he did to Job (Job 1:8-12). Who knows. "But be not despaired," says the Lord in the scriptures, "be not dismayed for I will uphold you with My right hand of righteousness." For if God be for us, just who can be against us. "......, the LORD who created you says, "Do not be afraid - I will save you. I have called you by name - you are Mine. When you pass through deep waters, I will be with you; your troubles will not overwhelm you. When you pass through fire, you will not be burned; the hard trials that come will not hurt you." (Isaiah 43:1-3) When Elisha answered, "Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them," he knew what He was talking about even though it might seem to make no sense. In terms of military strength, political power or numerical value, he and his companion were no match for the king of Syria and his army. As far as the physical sight is concerned, the servant of God and his companion were outnumbered. But keep in mind that one with God is a majority. No matter the quantity of those against you or who they are, you can count on the fact that you quality backup anytime. So fellow child of the kingdom, do not be weary or discouraged in the exercise of your ministry. You may appear helpless. Elisha know he was helpless if he were to rely on his own might. He did not brag about his own might or power. Even though he was a prophet, - a highly recognised one for that matter - he did not make any reference to how powerful his ministry is. Did the LORD not state in the scriptures that 'You will succeed, not by military might or by your own strength, but by My Spirit. Obstacles as great as mountains will disappear before you.' "This is the word of the Lord to Zerubabbel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of hosts. Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubabbel you shall become a plain:......." (Zechariah 4:6,7) We may seem helpless and overwhelmed when the enemy comes like a flood but God is faithful and just, He will not let us down. If we meet hostility and hatred because we are living up to His expectations, He is indeed faithful and just to rise in our favour. Don't forget that the scriptures states: Rise, God and let your enemies be put to shame; let they that hate You flee before You. If you are hated or persecuted or shunned or excommunicated or mistreated for His sake, God is concerned. Don't forget that Jesus asked Saul (who later became Paul), "Paul, Paul, why persecute thou me? (Acts 9:4). Paul probably was wondering when was the last time he harassed the Lord. Actually, the Lord took the problems of His children personal. "I am Jesus whom you persecute: it is hard for you to kick against the pricks." (Acts 9:5). The scriptures stated that we do not serve a God that is unable to identify with what His children go through. He understands. And He acts and responds accordingly. Keep in mind the scripture that says: Many are the afflictions of the righteous but His God delivers him from them all, He protects him and not a single bone in his body in his body shall be broken. And never forget that it is true as the scripture puts it that greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world. God bless. Yours Adekunle O Majek' H I A F E M Of impact, quality and excellence That's the Spirit! P.S: I believe this piece has been of great blessing to you. Why not share it with others. To return to HIAFEM HomePage, click here. |
IF GOD BE FOR US, WHO CAN BE AGAINST US? |
"The King of Syria was at war with Israel. He consulted his officers and chose a place to set up his camp. But Elisha sent word to the king of Israel, warning him not to go near that place, because the Syrians were waiting in ambush there. So the king of Israel warned the men who lived in that place, and they were on guard. This happened several times. The Syrian king became greatly upset over this; he called in his officers and asked them, "Which one of you is on the side of the king of Israel?" One of them answered, "No one is your majesty. The prophet Elisha tells the king of Israel what you say even in the privacy of your own room." "Find out where he is," the king ordered, "and I will capture him. When he was told that Elisha was in Dothan, he sent a large force there with horses and chariots. They reached the town at night and surrounded it." (II Kings 6:8-15) Elisha incurred the wrath of the King of Syria not for any other reason other than that he (Elisha) was playing his role as the Lord expected him to. Elisha was a man of God. As a servant of the Most High God, He served as the link between humanity and divinity. He was the individual who stood in the gap for Israel and its leadership. As expected of all God's children, Elisha maintained constant communication with Him. God deemed it fit to open his eyes of understanding to things that seemed hidden to an average person. Natural man in physical body can not understand spiritual mysteries. "Yet I do proclaim a message........ but it is not the wisdom that belongs to this world or to the powers that rule this world - powers that are losing their power. The wisdom I proclaim is God's secret wisdom,...... but it was to us that God made known His secret by means of His Spirit. The Spirit searches everything, even the hidden depths of God's purposes. It is only a person's own spirit within him that knows all about him; in the same way, only God's Spirit knows all about God. We have not received this world's spirit; instead, we have received the Spirit sent by God, so that we may know all that God has given us." (I Corinthians 2:6-12) Elisha faced opposition because his activities though pleasing to God and, of course, are of God, yet are to the detriment of the evil plans of the King of Syria. Elisha continually allowed God to use him to shatter the plans of the enemy. The plans of the adversary could not take off. No thanks to Elisha. Actually, Elisha owed it to the revelations from God through His Spirit to the man of God. Since it is hard to launch direct attack on God, the human instrument readily became the target. So what was vessel of God to do? While rejoicing that he was doing that which was acceptable in the sight of the King of heaven, landed in the bad book of the King of Syria. The King of the whole universe gave him thumbs up; a king on earth gave him thumbs down. More often than not we face similar - or almost similar - situation. We get caught in the line of fire. Doing the Lord's will at times may mean facing crisis. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego incurred the wrath of king Nebuchadnezzar while trying to do that which is acceptable before the Most High God. Daniel continued to honour the Lord's will and was pitched against a ruler by stratagem. Our activities - no matter how small or big it might seem - might be deemed offensive in some quarters. Our prayers - be it supplication, intercession, etc - do carry weight before God. The Lord has given us the power to tread upon serpents and scorpions and upon the power of the enemy. He also gave us the power to bind and loose on earth (realm of the physical) and so shall it be in heaven (realm of the spirit). When these powers or weapons are used, they do have tremendous influence in the spirit world. The activities of Satan and his cohorts are negatively affected. Demons are bind, made to flee or dispelled. The powers of darkness record little or no victory. The devil and his instruments can not have their way as they would. Satan is humiliated while glory goes to God. The forces of darkness are put into disarray even more when we begin to sing songs of praise and worship to the Lord. Of course, the Father of Light inhabits the praise of His children. And in His presence darkness flee! No matter how small or insignificant or not-so-reckoned-with our activities are, they do have affect. Please always keep this in mind. The devil usually wants us to think our supplications, intercessions, binding and loosing, praise & worship, etc are not insignificant. If only our eyes are opened to see what is going on in the realm of the spirit. Victories recorded in the spirit realm are translated into results in the realm of the physical. As we wax strong in faithfully serving the Lord, and we continue to fulfil our ministries as His Spirit leads and inspires, it is just a question of time before we become targets. Satan hates believers who have characteristics similar to that of Elisha. Believers whose ministries undermine the activities of forces of darkness in their communities and environments are likely to be targets of hate. Believers whose lives, ministries, lifestyles, speech, conduct, etc raises the awareness of Most High God, Lord Jesus, His kingdom and His will are despised. Believers whose activities expose the forces of darkness, and brings honour to Jesus are most likely not going to be spared of expression of hatred, conspiracy and persecution. Believers who bear their cross the way the Lord expects are bound to be hated. Did the Lord Jesus not tell us that "These things I have spoken to you, that in me you might have peace. In the world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33) The devil and his cohorts pick on such believers and attempt to traumatise their lives in the worst possible way. Satan has human instruments that demons can work through to achieve his evil purpose. We come across them very often. When the forces of darkness launch an onslaught, the attack tends to be overwhelming. It seems as if our entire world will collapse or has collapsed. We tend to feel lonely and isolated. It seems as if we are surrounded on all sides, and outnumbered by our adversaries. We might even feel we have reached the end of the road. "Find out where he is," the king ordered, "and I will capture him." When he was told that Elisha was in Dothan, he sent a large force there with horses and chariots. They reached the town at night and surrounded it. Early the next morning Elisha's servant got up, went out of the house, and saw the Syrian troops with their horses and chariots surrounding the town. He went back to Elisha and exclaimed, "We are doomed, sir! What shall we do?" (II Kings 6:13-15) "We are doomed, sir! What shall we do?" Such questions might come to mind when we find through when we go through similar situation. And how did the servant of God reply? By cursing the day he was born into the world like Job did? (Job 3:1-26). By cursing the day he was born into God's family? By giving up and asking God to take his life like Elijah? (I Kings 19:1-4). By giving up and allowing the enemies to feast on him? No. Rather, "Don't be afraid," Elijah answered, "We have more on our side than they have on theirs." "Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them." (II Kings 6:16) And guess what? That's true! Haven't you heard? "Why do the nations plan rebellion? Why do people make their useless plots? Their kings revolt, their rulers plot together against the Lord and against the king He chose. "Let us free ourselves from their rule," they say; "Let us throw off their control." From His throne in heaven the Lord laughs and mocks their feeble plans. Then He warns them in anger and terrifies them in His fury. "On Zion, My sacred hill," He says, "I have installed My king." "I will announce," says the king, "what the Lord has declared. He said to me: 'You are My son; today I have become your Father. Ask, and I will give you all the nations; the whole earth will be yours. You will break them with an iron rod; you will shatter them in pieces like a clay pot." Now listen to this warning, you kings; learn this lesson, you rulers of the world: serve the Lord with fear; tremble and bow to Him; or else His anger will be quickly aroused, and you will suddenly die. Happy are all who go to Him for protection." (Psalms 2:1-11) "These things have I spoken to you, that in me you will have peace," the Lord said, "In the world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33) Did the Lord not state in His word that 'no weapon will be able to hurt you; you will have an answer for all who accuse you. I will defend my servants and give them victory'? "If anyone attacks you, he does it without My consent; whoever fights against you will fall........ No weapon formed against you shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against you in judgement you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, says the Lord." (Isaiah 54:15,17) "All of you that honour the LORD and obey the words of His servants, the path you walk may be dark indeed, but trust in the LORD, rely on your God. All of you that plot to destroy others will be destroyed by your own plots. The LORD himself will make this happen; you will suffer a miserable fate." (Isaiah 50:10-11) One thing that is worth keeping in mind as believers is that God is always on our side. And indeed it is true as the scripture point out that "For God has said, "I will never leave you; I will never abandon you." Let us be bold, then, and say, "The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me?" (Hebrews 13:5-6) If God be for us, who can be against us. We ought to constantly reflect and pray about the truth expressed in II Timothy 1:7: "For God has not give us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." "When the enemy shall come like a flood." the scripture stated, "the Spirit of God shall raise standard against it." The Lord is more than able to live up to His word; if only we can stand on the word of His promises. That which He was able to do in the past, He is able to do today. If He can shield Elisha from the fiery darts of the wicked, He can do the same for you. Ask yourself this question: Am I doing what God wants me to do? If I run into difficulty or opposition, is it because of my activity in His kingdom or is it because I am running my own agenda? Be sincere in the answer you give yourself. When you are operating hand in glove with God and His Spirit, whether you are aware of it or not, things are bound to happen that will lead to the advancement of His kingdom. Likewise, things are bound to happen that will be to the detriment of the forces of darkness - whether we are conscious of it or not. The issue is not that we are spared from challenges. If you are exercising your ministry the way He directs you, you will face challenges. Satan knows you and hates you to the core. He probably approached God to petition you like he did to Job (Job 1:8-12). Who knows. "But be not despaired," says the Lord in the scriptures, "be not dismayed for I will uphold you with My right hand of righteousness." For if God be for us, just who can be against us. "......, the LORD who created you says, "Do not be afraid - I will save you. I have called you by name - you are Mine. When you pass through deep waters, I will be with you; your troubles will not overwhelm you. When you pass through fire, you will not be burned; the hard trials that come will not hurt you." (Isaiah 43:1-3) When Elisha answered, "Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them," he knew what He was talking about even though it might seem to make no sense. In terms of military strength, political power or numerical value, he and his companion were no match for the king of Syria and his army. As far as the physical sight is concerned, the servant of God and his companion were outnumbered. But keep in mind that one with God is a majority. No matter the quantity of those against you or who they are, you can count on the fact that you quality backup anytime. So fellow child of the kingdom, do not be weary or discouraged in the exercise of your ministry. You may appear helpless. Elisha know he was helpless if he were to rely on his own might. He did not brag about his own might or power. Even though he was a prophet, - a highly recognised one for that matter - he did not make any reference to how powerful his ministry is. Did the LORD not state in the scriptures that 'You will succeed, not by military might or by your own strength, but by My Spirit. Obstacles as great as mountains will disappear before you.' "This is the word of the Lord to Zerubabbel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of hosts. Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubabbel you shall become a plain:......." (Zechariah 4:6,7) We may seem helpless and overwhelmed when the enemy comes like a flood but God is faithful and just, He will not let us down. If we meet hostility and hatred because we are living up to His expectations, He is indeed faithful and just to rise in our favour. Don't forget that the scriptures states: Rise, God and let your enemies be put to shame; let they that hate You flee before You. If you are hated or persecuted or shunned or excommunicated or mistreated for His sake, God is concerned. Don't forget that Jesus asked Saul (who later became Paul), "Paul, Paul, why persecute thou me? (Acts 9:4). Paul probably was wondering when was the last time he harassed the Lord. Actually, the Lord took the problems of His children personal. "I am Jesus whom you persecute: it is hard for you to kick against the pricks." (Acts 9:5). The scriptures stated that we do not serve a God that is unable to identify with what His children go through. He understands. And He acts and responds accordingly. Keep in mind the scripture that says: Many are the afflictions of the righteous but His God delivers him from them all, He protects him and not a single bone in his body in his body shall be broken. And never forget that it is true as the scripture puts it that greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world. God bless. Yours Adekunle O Majek' H I A F E M Of impact, quality and excellence That's the Spirit! P.S: I believe this piece has been of great blessing to you. Why not share it with others. To return to HIAFEM HomePage, click here. |
