Not What It Seems January 3, 2017

Read: 2 Kings 6:8–17 Bible in a Year: Genesis 7–9; Matthew 3 Don’t be afraid . . . . Those who are with us are more than those who are with [the enemy].—2 Kings 6:16 Don is a border collie who lives on a farm in South Lanarkshire, Scotland. One morning, he and his owner, Tom, set out to check on some animals. They rode together in a small farm utility truck. When they arrived, Tom left the vehicle but forgot to put the brake on. With Don in the driver’s seat, the vehicle rolled down a hill and across two lanes of traffic before it stopped safely. To watching motorists, it appeared the dog was out for a morning drive. Indeed, things are not always as they seem. It seemed as if Elisha and his servant were about to be captured and carried off to the King of Aram. The king’s forces had surrounded the city where Elisha and his servant were staying. The servant believed they were doomed, but Elisha said, “Don’t be afraid . . . . Those who are with us are more than those who are with [the enemy]” (2 Kings 6:16). When Elisha prayed, the servant was able to see the multitudes of supernatural forces that were in place to protect them. Situations that seem hopeless are not always the way we perceive them to be. When we feel overwhelmed and outnumbered, we can remember that God is by our side. He can “command his angels . . . to guard [us] in all [our] ways” (Ps. 91:11). —Jennifer Benson Schuldt Dear God, please give me a glimpse of Your power today. Help me to believe that You are willing and able to help me in any situation I encounter. Things are always better than they seem to be when we remember that God is by our side. INSIGHT: In Elisha and Elijah’s day, the nation of Israel had drifted from God and embraced pagan gods. The miracles God performed through these men called the people back to Himself. How does believing in the God of the miraculous help when you’re feeling helpless or overwhelmed? Bill Crowder Share your thoughts on today’s devotional on Facebook or odb.org.

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