“Surely the arm of the LORD is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear.” – Isaiah 59:1

God’s people frequently question why they never appear to be delivered from hardships, problems, or tribulations on their terms and time. It might be challenging to convey to distressed individuals how God is intervening on their behalf in the background during difficult circumstances; but If there is one thing I have learned about God, it is this – that He is most present during the moments when I feel like he is not there. As our scripture of the day suggests, “His arm is not too short to save, His ear is not too dull to hear.”

2 Kings tells of a time when the king of Aram was at war with Israel. After conferring with his officers, he would make plans to set up his camp at vantage points; but time and again prophet Elisha had insight into this and informed the king of Israel, and they avoided such places. This angered the Aramaen King, so he sought to kill prophet Elisha. Then he sent horses and chariots and a strong force by night to surround Dothan, where Elisha lived. When a servant of Elisha got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city.

In response to his servants, who clearly seemed afraid, Elisha prayed that God open their eyes. 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. Elisha goes on to pray for the army to be blinded, after which he leads them to Samaria, the seat of the King of Israel.

This scenario gives us an illustration on how Satan is constantly looking for methods to harm God’s people overall, but especially His Word bearers who are able to warn His children. What was the Aramaens best effort at siege seemed so little and insignificant in comparison to what God did. Elisha seemed surrounded, but God had it all figured out. Surely the arm of the Lord was not too short to save Elisha and his servants, a blessed assurance God wants all His children to count on. He is most present during the moments when we feel like he is not there.

Isaiah 59:1
2 Kings 6