An Important Lesson I Almost Missed...

Three Sundays ago I was FINALLY able to be back in church. It was so refreshing to just be in the sanctuary, hear the pastor‘s voice through the mic instead of phone, and sing Psalters with 1/2 of the congregation that was present.

I hate to admit it... but I think that I was enjoying simply BEING in church so much that I almost missed an important lesson. I payed attention to the sermon and wrote notes... but it was during lunchtime closing Scripture reading (at a house that didn’t know what sermon and Scripture reading I had listened to that morning) that really sent the message home.

If you take a look at 2 Kings 7, you will read about Elisha and yet another prophesy that was given AND fulfilled by God.

For a little back ground information, the city of Samaria was surrounded by a Syrian army. The people of Samaria were on the verge of dying because of starvation. Elisha speaks words given to him by the Lord: “Hear ye the word of the Lord; Thus saith the Lord, To morrow about this time shall a measure of fine flour be sold for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel, in the gate of Samaria.” 2 Kings‬ ‭7:1‬ ‭

For a city that had no food, you think this message (from a man of God who had done miracles previously) would fill the people with joy! We are not told how the general public reacted to this message, but we are told how a captain of the king of Samaria reacted. He comes to Elisha in disbelief. “Behold, if the Lord would make windows in heaven, might this thing be?” And Elisha said to him, “Behold, thou shalt see it with thine eyes, but shalt not eat thereof.”

‭‭2 Kings‬ ‭7:2‬ ‭

I’ve learned a real lesson from this little conversation, these little two verses at the beginning of the chapter. The passage continues to layout the miracle and the fulfillment of the prophesy, and I really do suggest that you read that entire passage when you have a chance, but I want to take a pause on it these two verses.

How do we react when we receive promises from God? What about those little messages or miracles that seem just too good to be true?

If you are anything like me, you may sometimes react with disbelief. Something in Scripture that is supposed to fill me with joy causes me to doubt. To be real and raw: “Ok, so You said that... how are you going to make it happen?” Or “Ok God, You said this... but is it for me too?”

The lesson I learned is this: Believe, even when it seems unbelievable.

This lesson really only applies to Scripture. If something causes me to question, I need to pray for belief. If something seems too good to be true, I need to beg God to help me see all of the wondrous things (and miracles!!) that He has in store for me.

Part of living a faith filled life is belief. Believing that what God says is true. Believing that the promises apply to me. Believing that no matter what, what God promises will be fulfilled.

I hope and pray that each one of you also comes to this understanding: Believe, even when it seems unbelievable. Even when it seems to good to be true. Even when nobody else does.