Sparkling as it crashes against boulders along its banks, the river swiftly cascades toward the sea. The current grabs, pushes, and tugs at leaves and logs, carrying them along for the ride. Gravity pulls the water, and the river pulls the rest...downward! Suddenly, oblivious to the swirling opposition, the shining salmon swim against the stream. They must go upstream, and nothing will stop them from reaching their destination.
The current of society's river is flowing fast and furious, pulling downward everything in its way. It would be easy to float along with the current, but God calls us to swim against the flow. It will not be easy, and we may be alone, but it will be right.
In the book of 2 Kings, we read that despite the pressure to conform, to turn from the Lord and to serve only self, a minority of chosen people moved in the opposite direction - toward God!
As you read 2 Kings , watch these courageous individuals. Catch the strength of Elijah, Elisha and the commitment of Hezekiah and Josiah, and determine to be one who swims against the current.
At the end of March I was lead to the scriptures of 2 Kings and the story of Elisha. I am sharing what I read. The following words stood out for me:
FAITH
COURAGE
OBEDIENCE
Faith leads to courage and courage leads to obedience; fearless obedience. However, before we can have the faith to be obedient we need knowledge - knowledge of God. We need to have some understanding of who God is and what his character is like. With this knowledge we can apply our faith because we 'know' Him; we know the Truth about his character. We can only know Him by reading the Word of God and walking with him hand in hand on a daily basis. These individuals did that. They spent time in his presence and the scriptures of their time and got to know him. Their knowledge of God stirred their spirit to transform that knowledge into faith and in turn faith stirred them to fearless obedience.
We are responsible to know God's Word and obey it.
God is patient with us. He gives us many chances to hear his message, to turn from sin, and to believe in him. His patience does not mean he is indifferent to how we live, nor does it mean we can ignore his warnings. His patience should make us run to him and the truth.
The purpose of Elisha's ministry was to restore respect for God and his message. By faith, with courage, obedience and prayer, he not only revealed God's judgement on sin, but also his mercy, love and tenderness toward faithful people. Effective living begins with a right attitude toward God. Before religious words come to your mouth, make sure they are from your heart. Let respect, humility, and servanthood characterize your attitude toward God and others.
Our world is strikingly similar to the world described in 2 Kings. National and local governments do not seek God. Many people follow false gods of technology, materialism and self. True worship of God is rare on the earth. In our chaotic and corrupt world, we can turn to examples such as David, Elijah and Elisha, who were devoted to God's high honour and moral law and who brought about renewal and change in their society. For nations to do God's will, they need individuals who will do God's work. Individuals who will be prepared, and stirred in spirit, to swim against the current!
In 2 Kings 4 we read about the widow's oil. A message about Provision and Faith. The oil stopped pouring only when they ran out of containers. The containers were an indication of their faith. God's provision was as large as their faith and willingness to obey. This was yet an incredible miracle performed, and we know from scriptures in the New Testament, that where there was no faith no miracles could be performed. We need to ask God to stir up the faith in us again to expect and witness miracles.
What do you need faith for - healing? Provision? Protection? Miracles follow faith. But before we can apply faith and expect miracles we need to humble ourselves before God. In 2 Kings 5 we read about Namaan. Namaan, a great hero, was used to getting respect, and he was outraged when Elisha treated him like an ordinary person. A proud man, he expected royal treatment. To wash in the Jordan, Namaan thought, was beneath a man of his position. Full of self-will and pride, he could not accept the simple cure of faith. But he had to humble himself and obey in order to receive the miracle of healing. Obedience begins with humility. We must believe that his way is perfect and better than our own. We may not always understand his ways of working, but by humbly obeying, we will receive his blessings.
Imagine with stirred faith, like Elisha's faith, what you can witness! 2 Kings 6 speaks of chariots and horses seen by faith:
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 (Elisha), 'Alas, my master! what shall we do!?" So Elisha 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 mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
All we need is faith. No matter what circumstances you find yourself in, you need faith. Faith to believe and faith to see. Faith to keep your eyes on God and faith to hope for miracles, even in these perilous times. Faith to be the one to swim upstream when everyone else is swimming with the current. Set yourself free. With faith like a child, break lose and start swimming! Feel the gentle push of Holy Spirit and take courage. Start swimming! You can do this!
~ Taken from scriptures and notes from my NKJV Bible.