Here we are: Our last lesson together. But this isn’t the end. It’s the beginning.

Our country – our city – has been invaded by 2 enemies:

1. COVID-19
2. fear

In fact, we have been surrounded by both. Let’s look at a similar situation from scripture:

2 Kings 6: 15-16, “(15)When the servant of the man of God [Elisha] 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. (16) “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.

The Nameless Servant’s Freak Out

We don’t learn Elisha’s servant’s name in these verses, but I can relate to him. Can you? His boss had been doing God’s work, warning his king that an enemy was out to get him. Time and again, “Don’t go this way.” Don’t go that way.” This good king came to NO harm. The bad king got mad, heard it was all because of Elisha, and focused on HIM instead.

So the servant gets up one morning, and they’re surrounded. “What now? What do we do? What do we do?!” He’s ready to obey whatever command Elisha issues. He’s gonna write down his instructions, so he. knows. what. to. DO.

The first “To Do” is a “Don’t”

Look back at verse 16 and Elisha’s answer to the freak out. “Don’t…”

Don’t be afraid.Then he added the best part: the equivalent to “We’ve got them surrounded and outnumbered.” or… “We have more on our team.”

The problem with that? Our friendly servant couldn’t SEE anyone on their team. He was still scared! He had limitations.

So do we.

And sometimes our limitations keep us from seeing angel armies have our backs, too.

So? What do we do?  What do we DO?!

Follow Elisha’s example

1. Start with the Don’t – Don’t let fear rule. [Trust God] Don’t snap at those you’re isolating with. [We’re all doing the best we can.] Don’t spend hours in front of a screen that makes you fearful. [Spend time with God instead.]
2. Claim God’s presence and protection – even when we can’t see it. This virus is un-seeable. Focus on God.
3. Pray for opened eyes. The best way to help the servant was to SHOW him they had help.

Song:

Listen as Hillsong sings “Be Still.”

Words and Music by Ben Fielding & Reuben Morgan

Wait. Be Still.

Waiting can be tricky:

1. Waiting reveals what you worship/focus on. God’s people made a golden calf when Moses took too long on the mountain because they couldn’t wait.
2. Waiting is never wasted. God uses the time to prepare us for His plan.
3. Waiting helps us focus on God’s faithfulness. God never changes.

Dig Deeper

1. God doesn’t always speak in “traditional ways.” We have to learn to listen to who or what He sends our way. Read each passage and asee how God’s message is relayed.

a. Numbers 22:21-39

b. 1 Kings 19:9-13

2. How are we to wait? Ps. 37:7

3. Where are we to put our hope? Ps. 130:5

Prompt

Illustrate a verse that you will cling to for peace. (Your choice)

I’ve added mine below. (Yeah. I got a bit carried away…)