…Ben-Hadad king of Aram mobilized his entire army … [King Joram said] “May God deal with me, be it ever so severely, if the head of Elisha son of Shaphat remains on his shoulders today” (2 Kings 6:24, 31).
Two kings who both think that their overwhelming force can override God’s plan.
Ben-Hadad had already experienced God’s power when his previous plans were disclosed by God to Elisha, and when his “strong force” has been thwarted by God’s power (vv. 8-10, 14-20). As a result, Ben-Hadad temporarily stopped sending his small raiding parties into Israel. Now, he somehow believes that sending his “entire army” can overwhelm God’s plan?!
King Joram also had first-hand experience is of God’s power. Not only in the above incident with King Ben-Hadad, but also in the desert when God miraculously provided water for his army. Now, he somehow thinks “this disaster is from the Lord” and Elisha is the cause. He thinks that killing Elisha will somehow intimidate God into lifting the Aramean siege?!
Here are the facts:
- God brought the Aramaeans together to demonstrate His power.
- God left Israel without any resources on their own to demonstrate His power.
- God foretold events yet to come through Elisha to demonstrate His power.
And then God fully demonstrated His power!
God’s plans can never be overruled. That means that when I place my trust in God, I can never be overwhelmed by the enemy’s plans.
No matter the circumstances, God is in control. Let me say that again: GOD IS IN CONTROL.
God will demonstrate His unequaled love and His unmatched power at just the right moment. He will bring about “a day of good news” and superabundance for all who fear and trust Him (7:9, 16).
Don’t ever despair, no matter how dark the battle is. Don’t ever try to coerce God into doing something you want Him to do. Don’t ever become frustrated with God’s timing. Only wait in eager expectation for His answer: His all-loving, all-powerful answer.
God is never overruled so you are never overwhelmed!
Craig T. Owens 