Tag Archives: Elisha

Behind Closed Doors-Day 3

There is strength in getting alone with God. Jesus knew this full well. The Bible tells us He “withdrew often” to be alone with the Father. How much more should we?

So glad you’ve jumped on board for our 21 Days of Strength. There’s no more important task on earth than seeking God. When trouble hits, I’ve learned to go into my room, shut the doorand seek God through His Word and prayer.  

Sometimes God may close doors in our life so that we have the time and space we need to draw close to Him. We get alone to shut God in, and to shut other things—like distractions and discouragement—out. Think about it. Some of God’s greatest miracles have happened behind closed doors:

A man named Jairus, a synagogue leader, came and fell at Jesus’ feet, pleading with Him to come to his house. His only daughter, a girl of about twelve, was dying. While Jesus was still speaking to the group, Jairus received word that his daughter had died. Jesus said to him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed” (Luke 8:41-50 NIV).   When Jesus arrived at the house of Jairus, He did not let anyone go in with him except Peter, John, and James, and the child’s mother and father” (v. 51).

In other words, Jesus shut the door. He shut some things—and people—in. And he shut others out. Then Jesus took the little girl by the hand and said to her, “My child, get up!” (v. 54). Her “spirit returned,” and at once she stood up, fully revived.

We see another shut door in 2 Kings 4. A young boy died, and his mother ran to the prophet Elisha for help. When the prophet returned, he found the boy dead on the couch. Elisha shut the door and went in with the mother where the two of them prayed for the boy. The prophet prayed fervently, and the boy was restored to life. Yet another miracle occurs behind closed doors!

So when you are weak, worried or weary and need to strengthen yourself in the Lord, remember to go to your room and shut the door to be alone with God.

For reflection: God has asked that we be quiet for a while, go to our rooms and shut the door. But take heart. Some of God’s greatest miracles occur behind closed doors.


21 Day Watch

It’s easy to get overwhelmed with fear.  Seems like everywhere we turn, there’s another shocking news story.   Many around the world watched in horror as 21 Coptic Christians were recently beheaded for their faith.  In the aftermath of such terrifying events, a couple of young moms confided to me they’ve had to get counseling because of extreme anxiety.  Another woman struggling with fear commented on my age and stage and remarked that I was “lucky” I didn’t have to wait so long to go to heaven.

Dear friends, is that the best we can hope for? Biding our time until we get to heaven?  How can we calm our anxious hearts and experience the peace God promises in His Word?   It’s not like Jesus didn’t warn us about trying times.  “In this world, you will have trouble,” He told His followers.  “But take heart,” He assured them.  “I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).  Surely there’s a way to reflect the presence of Christ to a world so desperate for peace. But we can’t we can’t give away what we don’t have.

That’s why I’ve decided to do a 21 Day Watch, starting tomorrow, March 16.th  I hope you’ll join me!  I’m asking God specifically to Open My Eyes to the promises in His Word and to signs of His work all around me.  I’ll post daily encouragement from the Bible, along with testimonies of answered  prayer.

Instead of simply asking God to take away our anxieties, let’s pray for Him to help us become more aware of His power.  I’ve learned that enlarging my view of God is the best way to calm a fearful heart.  I believe your faith will be strengthened as we keep watch together.  And let’s remember, faith is the best antidote to fear.

Prayer: Lord, open our eyes to Your powerful Word and Your mighty works. Let us see the world from Your perspective.  Calm our fears as we gaze upon your Majesty!