Not My Circus...

Not My Circus, Not My Monkeys, and Not My Side Show!

2 Kings 6

I love funny, one line sayings! They make life a little lighter, and after all laughter is good medicine, but especially when things seem heavy and burdensome. This is seen in 2 Kings 6, when the prophet Elisha demonstrates through his faith and prayer that the “circus” is still being orchestrated by the Master of Ceremonies! Elisha does not get bent out of shape when his attendant shows up with bad news in v. 15-16. “Now when the attendant of the man of God had risen early and gone out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was circling the city. And his servant said to him, ‘Alas, my master! What shall we do?”

This seems to be one of my most repeated questions at times, “What shall we do?” I always want the solution, I always want to fix things myself, I never want to wait on God, and I always want to get out of the crazy arena as fast as possible! Yet I love Elisha’s response! He answered back, “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them,” and then he unleashed his well-trained practice of prayer and dependence on God! “Then Elisha prayed and said, “O Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” And the Lord opened the servant’s eyes and he saw; and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.”

When it only looked more impossible to control circumstances and the army came close around them, Elisha prayed again to THE Ring leader! “Strike this people with blindness, I pray.” Not only did God answer, He allowed Elisha to lead the enemy army away to Samaria! Talk about taming lions and controlling monkeys! Because Elisha used his spiritual eyes that God gave him, he trusted in God’s sovereignty, provision, direction and the power of prayer.

When our circus is feeling out of control and crazy; when our life is filled with impossible messes, suffering, financial troubles, emotional distress, and even results from our own failures and sin, God can still orchestrate miracles when we submit to Him. Our circus may be wearing us out, but through trusting Him, obeying Him, and opening our spiritual eyes we can see His provision and ability. He still owns the cattle on a thousand hills (Psalm 50:10), He is still the Living Water and Bread of Life (John 4:13-15, 7:38; 6:25-59). He still has an angel army and perfect timing! As Dr. Charles Stanley reminds us, “Triumph comes because of God’s ability.” I can’t take on other people’s problems or even solve my own by myself. I can point people to Jesus as the source of wisdom, strength and hope just like Elisha did his friend, and then I also have to stay connected myself or my own circus tends to go awry every time!