2 Kings 13:18,19
‘Then he said, “Take the arrows,” and he took them. And he said to the king of Israel, “Strike the ground,” and he struck it three times and stopped. Then the man of God became angry at him and said, “You should have struck five or six times, then you would have struck Aram until you put an end to it. But now you shall strike Aram only three times.”‘
This is quite an interesting passage of scripture. Elisha is dying and Israel’s king gives him a visit. Today’s verses has Elisha telling the king to strike the arrows on the ground. He does it. When done Elisha is angry that he didn’t do it more so. He didn’t tell him the manner in which he was to do it. Yet he got angry. The king seems innocent, but will still be plagued by his enemy.
One wonders if similar things happen to us. With no instruction do we invite difficulty upon ourselves? Maybe. How do we come to peace with this? We put our trust in God. He loves us and wants the best for us.
We have to look at God’s promises. Jeremiah 29:11 says, “I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope.” Rely on that. We will make mistakes, but God will work it out. Romans 8:28 says, “For we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.”
Lord, give us wisdom as to how to live. Thank You.