Read 2 Kings 6:8-23.

God created and redeemed us to live in the realm of the supernatural—where we have a hope that does not disappoint. God’s people are called to stand in faith, trusting that nothing is impossible for the one, true God.

Elisha lived during a time very similar to our own. But he stood against the culture of his day, and he lived and walked in the expectation that God could do anything.

When the king of Syria wanted to attack Israel, it was Elisha who saved the day. Elisha looked to the God who lives in unapproachable light, who in His grace chose His people Israel and spoke to Elisha for their protection. Every time the king of Syria plotted a move against Israel, Elisha knew exactly where he was going to strike. He told Israel’s king, and each attack was foiled.

This enraged the king of Syria, who assumed he had a traitor in his midst. But then one of his men told him about Elisha, Israel’s famous prophet. The Syrian king knew what he needed to do: capture Elisha. It was a silly plan, of course. If God can tell Elisha every move the king is going to make, surely He can keep His servant from being kidnapped! Still, the king sent horsemen and chariots to the city of Dothan, a well-equipped army just to bring back one man.

When Elisha’s servant saw the Syrian troops surrounding the city, he was frightened and fell apart. But not Elisha. You see, when we run to the Almighty, our fortress, we will be protected spiritually. When we carry the shield of faith, we will be victorious. Elisha knew that and had peace. He told his servant, “Don’t be afraid, . . . Those who are with us are more than those who are with them” (2 Kings 6:16). And it was true. Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see” (v. 17), and instantly his servant could see. There on the hilltops was an army from heaven arrayed for battle.

We all need to pray as Elisha did—for both ourselves and our families. Pray that God would open your spiritual eyes, your children’s spiritual eyes, your grandchildren’s spiritual eyes. And pray that He might open the eyes of the people you come across every day, especially those who are spiritually blind to the Truth of His Word.

Prayer: Lord, open my spiritual eyes to see Your hand at work on my behalf. I know You are with me—that You love and protect me. Help me to hold fast to Your Gospel and rest in the promise of Your tender care. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“And Elisha prayed, ‘Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.’ 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” (2 Kings 6:17).

Learn more in Dr. Michael Youssef’s sermon series It Is Supernatural: WATCH NOW

Check out more from Dr. Michael Youssef, here!

About The Author

Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D.

Even before he was born, it is clear that God had a vision for Michael Youssef. His mother was in poor health when she became pregnant with Michael, and because his life was in danger at the time of birth, the doctor recommended terminating the pregnancy. An abortion was scheduled. But God intervened and sent the family pastor to reassure them that God was involved in this pregnancy. He told them not to be afraid and that the child would be "born to serve the Lord." Michael's parents accepted the pastor's message as a message from God and obeyed. His mother gave birth, and lived to see him give his life to the Lord at the age of sixteen.


Believing that God had called him out of Egypt, Michael sought an exit visa in a time in which no university student was allowed to have a passport or leave the country. God intervened again, and miraculously he managed to acquire a visa. He immigrated to Australia, where he studied at Moore Theological College in Sydney, was ordained as a pastor, and met Elizabeth who became his wife.


The Youssefs came to America in 1977, and in 1978 Michael received a master's degree in theology at Fuller Theological Seminary in California. Then he earned a doctorate in social anthropology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Michael served nearly ten years in the Haggai Institute, traveling around the world more than 32 times, teaching courses in evangelism and leadership. He rose to the position of Managing Director at the age of 31 years. The family settled in Atlanta, and in 1984, Michael became a citizen of the United States, making his dream of many years come true.


He founded The Church of The Apostles in 1987 with fewer than 40 adults with the mission of "Equipping the Saints and Searching for the Lost". The church has since grown to be a congregation of over 3,000 people today. This church has driven the international ministry of Leading the Way. While it is heard by millions at home and abroad, behind every message preached through radio waves, is the heart of a pastor, willing to nurture and care for these people. Clearly God has uniquely equipped Dr. Youssef to speak to a global audience. The path he has taken has given him an understanding and firm grasp of the Scriptures that transcend cultures. He preaches, teaches and calls with a sincere, based on the authority of the inerrant, inspired Word of God. With his personal knowledge of the Holy Land, its history and culture, Dr. Michael Youssef transmits life to listeners all over the world.



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