Protected by Heaven's Army: April 30, 2024

[00:00:00] You are listening to My Devotional, the Daily Devotional from Dr. Michael Youssef and Leading

[00:00:06] The Way.

[00:00:08] Protected by Heaven's Army, written by Dr. Michael Youssef.

[00:00:14] God created and redeemed us to live in the realm of the supernatural where we have a hope

[00:00:19] that does not disappoint.

[00:00:21] God's people are called to stand in faith, trusting that nothing is impossible for the

[00:00:26] one true God.

[00:00:28] Elisha lived during a time very similar to our own, but he stood against the culture

[00:00:33] of the day and he lived and walked in the expectation that God could do anything.

[00:00:39] When the King of Syria wanted to attack Israel, it was Elisha who saved the day.

[00:00:44] Elisha looked to the God who lives in unapproachable light, who in his grace chose his people

[00:00:50] Israel and spoke to Elisha for their protection.

[00:00:54] Every time the King of Syria plotted to move against Israel, Elisha knew exactly where he

[00:00:59] was going to strike.

[00:01:01] He told Israel's king and each attack was foiled.

[00:01:05] This enraged the King of Syria who assumed he had a traitor in his midst.

[00:01:10] But then one of his men told him about Elisha, Israel's famous prophet.

[00:01:15] The Syrian king knew what he needed to do.

[00:01:19] Capture Elisha.

[00:01:20] It was a silly plan, of course.

[00:01:23] If God can tell Elisha every move the king is going to make, surely he can keep his servant

[00:01:27] from being kidnapped.

[00:01:29] Still the king sent horsemen and chariots to the city of Dothan, a well-equipped army

[00:01:34] just to bring back one man.

[00:01:37] When Elisha's servant saw the Syrian troops surrounding the city, he was frightened and

[00:01:42] fell apart.

[00:01:43] But not Elisha.

[00:01:44] You see, when we run to the Almighty our fortress, we will be protected spiritually.

[00:01:50] When we carry the shield of faith, we will be victorious.

[00:01:55] Elisha knew that and had peace.

[00:01:57] He told his servant in 2 Kings 616, Don't be afraid.

[00:02:02] Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.

[00:02:06] And it was true.

[00:02:09] Elisha prayed, Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.

[00:02:13] And instantly his servant could see.

[00:02:15] There on the hilltops was an army from heaven, a raid for battle.

[00:02:21] We all need to pray as Elisha prayed, for both ourselves and our families.

[00:02:27] Pray that God would open your spiritual eyes, your children's spiritual eyes, your

[00:02:31] grandchildren's spiritual eyes, and pray that he might open the eyes of the people

[00:02:37] you come across every day, especially those who are spiritually blind to the truth of his

[00:02:43] word.

[00:02:44] Let's pray.

[00:02:46] Lord, open our spiritual eyes to see your hand at work.

[00:02:51] We know You are with us, that You love and protect us.

[00:02:55] Help us to hold fast to Your gospel and to rest in the promise of Your tender care.

[00:03:01] We pray this in the name of Jesus.

[00:03:03] Amen.

[00:03:05] God awaits the believer after this life.

[00:03:08] And how does our eternal future impact our lives today?

[00:03:12] In His new book, Heaven Awaits, Dr. Michael Yusef dispels misconceptions about the believer's

[00:03:19] eternal home and articulates heaven's blessings, majesty, and the reality of heaven shared

[00:03:25] in Scripture.

[00:03:26] As you dig into God's promises and understand your eternal future in Christ, you will

[00:03:31] be empowered to persevere whatever you face today.

[00:03:35] Order now today at www.LTW.org for your gift of any amount.

[00:03:41] Heaven Awaits.