Now the king of Aram was warring against Israel; and he counseled with his servants saying, “In such and such a place shall be my camp.” The man of God sent word to the king of Israel saying, “Beware that you do not pass this place, for the Arameans are coming down there.” The king of Israel sent to the place about which the man of God had told him; thus he warned him, so that he guarded himself there, more than once or twice. 2 Kings 6:8-10 NIV
If you are a Christian, you too have an enemy that is always warring against you. Where has the enemy set up camp in your life? Can you identify the places you need to beware not to pass? If you know where the enemy has set up camp, you can guard yourself in those areas!
Now the heart of the king of Aram was enraged over this thing; and he called his servants and said to them, “Will you tell me which of us is for the king of Israel?” One of his servants said, “No, my lord, O king; but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the words that you speak in your bedroom.” So he said, “Go and see where he is, that I may send and take him.” 2 Kings 6:11-13a NIV
The heart of the enemy is enraged when his plans are thwarted. In his rage he will attempt to take out those whom God is using to thwart his plans. If you are actively sharing your faith with those who don’t know God, encouraging other Christians, interceding for others, seeking God and drawing near to Him, then you are thwarting the enemies plans!
And it was told him, saying, “Behold, he is in Dothan.” He sent horses and chariots and a great army there, and they came by night and surrounded the city. 2 Kings 6:13b-14 NIV
Why is it that the enemy comes at night to surround the city? When we are at rest, we tend to let our guard down. Chances are we are not watching out for the enemy as intently at night, giving him greater opportunity to sneak in. He takes advantage of the darkness, hoping to set up camp before we wake up and realize what is happening. 1 Peter 5:8 tells us, Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. (NIV)
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?” So he answered, “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” 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. 2 Kings 6:15-17
Having an awareness that you may be enraging the enemy should make you keep up your guard, but should not cause you to fear. The armies of our God are far greater than the armies of our enemy! Let’s be sure that we take the necessary steps to avoid the enemy’s camp and be sure he does not get a foothold in any area of our lives while we are sleeping. Let’s be sure to utilize the weapons God has provided for us and be dressed in the full armor of God. And Like Elisha, let’s seek God intently so that we will have the spiritual eyes to discern where the enemy plans to camp and to be aware of the Lord’s protective presence!