I Am Never Alone

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, "O LORD, open his eyes so 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.
2 Kings 6:16-17 (NIV)

Do your eyes need to be opened? Mine do. I need to be reminded that I am not alone- EVER. I never walk into a home, a church, a workplace, or a store that I am alone. Because the Spirit of my God lives within me- I am NOT alone-EVER. Praise the Lord! I’m going to say that again- PRAISE THE LORD!

I want you to hear me with your whole heart because what I have to say is powerful- it can set you free. Free from pain, free from insecurity, free from whatever might hold you captive at this season of your life. YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

Elisha was facing a war- he and his servant were facing a mighty battle with the enemy, but he knew the secret. His servant panicked, and all Elisha had to do was pray for God to open his servants eyes so he could see that that although they were surrounded by the enemy, they were more importantly surrounded by protection from the Lord. Elisha said – they might have a lot- but we’ve got thousands! They might have the boat- but we have the Ship. They might have the pistol, but we have the Machine Gun!- Do you get the picture?- They had Him- His protection- His shield!

Because we live in this world, we live as Christians in a world that is filled with pain and suffering. Every day we face some sort of enemy. God never promised us moonlight and roses as long as we’re on this earth. But He did promise protection- security and we will never face anything alone. I don’t know about you, but for me- that alone is worth getting out of bed for. I have lost sight of that at times. I have allowed my own insecurity to consume me and as a Christian I should known better- shame on me.

I have had to be reminded of that very recently and I am so thankful for His Words- powerful Words of promise and hope, Words that can make the difference in my life, my actions and my witness. When I feel surrounded by the enemy- whether it be a person or a situation- I don’t face that trial alone. I face it with the security that He is with me and loves me and will and does protect me! How cool is that!?!

My prayer lately has been that my eyes will be open to the evil around me. And although I know that we are all made in His image and there is good to be found in everyone- the devil is alive and well and sometimes is sitting in that chair next to you- walking up behind you, or may even be living under your same roof- I pray for the ability to see that. I want my eyes to be opened. I want to know who my enemy is and that’s not always obvious. We’ve all trusted in someone- confided in someone- loved someone that has hurt and disappointed us. I can’t be shielded from hurt my entire life and it’s through some of my hurt that I learn, or am reminded that yes,- there will be pain, there will be tears, there will be loss- but I don’t face it alone.

I guess the bottom line for me is- I can’t escape pain or evil- but Lord- open my eyes so that I can see You. So I can keep my eyes fixed on You- and know You are with me and that I am NEVER alone!

Julie