‘If I Am Right With The Lord, I Can Handle The Rest!’

TheDiscipleMD

Many years ago a member of the church urgently wanted to meet for a worthiness interview. She had recently been accused of deeds that jeopardized her career,  reputation, and possible standing in the church. I don’t recall the entire conversation but I do recall the first thing that she said to me upon arriving at my office. She said, “I wanted to meet with you because no matter what happens or what I am accused of, I want to be right with the Lord! If I am right with Him, I can handle the rest!”

I always remembered that she “wanted to be right with the Lord” because she knew if she had the Lord on his side that she could handle all the other trials that were ahead. It was a profound statement, and over time and through experience, I can say that I believe that her statement was true. I know that it has been true in my life. The winds have howled, the rains have descended, and at times darkness has engulfed me, but I have always felt protected and watched over when I am obeying the commandments and when I am right with the Lord.

One of my favorite stories of the Old Testament is that of the prophet Elisha recorded in 2 Kings, chapter six. The background of this story is that the King of Syria is waging war on the Israelites. With each military move he is outsmarted by the Israelites. The King of Syria is distraught and believes that a spy is among them, as the Israelites seem to know his every move. In reality, the prophet Elisha is advising the Israelite King, through revelation, regarding the war. The King’s conversation with his servants is instructive.

“…he called his servants, and said unto them, Will ye not shew me which of us is for the king of Israel? And one of his servants said, None, my lord, O king: but Elisha, the prophet that is in Israel, telleth the king of Israel the words that thou speakest in thy bedchamber. And he said, Go and spy where he is, that I may send and fetch him. And it was told him, saying, Behold, he is in Dothan. Therefore sent he thither horses, and chariots, and a great host: and they came by night, and compassed the city about” (vs. 11-14).

Believing that the capture of Elisha will turn the war in his favor, the King of Syria finds out that the prophet is in city of Dothan. He sends an army to surround the city. Then it is recorded:

” And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do? And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. And Elisha prayed, and said, Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha. And when they came down to him, Elisha prayed unto the Lord, and said, Smite this people, I pray thee, with blindness. And he smote them with blindness according to the word of Elisha” (vs 15-18).

I have always believed in the “ministering of angels.”  Like the servant of Elisha, often we cannot see the “chariots of fire” that surround and protect us. Sometimes we are protected physically, like in this example. But of more importance is the spiritual protection that comes from “being right” with the Lord. My friend and fellow church member had the right ideal. In times of trial, let us be sure that we are “right” with the Lord. Then, as the rains descend upon us, He promises us that His spirit with “always” abide with us

 

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