Faith

Read: 2 Kings 2:1-18

So fifty men searched for three days but did not find Elijah. Elisha was still at Jericho when they returned. “Didn’t I tell you not to go?” he asked. 2 Kings 2:17-18

IN WORD

The company of prophets wanted to check it out, just to make sure. Maybe the whirlwind had dropped Elijah unceremoniously somewhere in the desert sand. Maybe the visible evidence of Elijah’s spirit resting on Elisha didn’t necessarily imply that Elijah had departed. Maybe they would have among them two prophets fully endowed with God’s Spirit, even though they had already prophesied Elijah’s translation into heaven. Maybe they just couldn’t believe what had allegedly taken place. So, consistent with human nature, they had to go see for themselves.

Elisha knew what they’d find: nothing. He knew what he’d seen. For the younger prophet, there was no need to verify what had already been foretold and then clearly witnessed with his own eyes. Searching for evidence to make sure God really did what He said He would do is a futile endeavor. Miracles can’t be discounted by search parties.

IN DEED

Faith knows what it has seen. It’s fine to speculate about what God has done or what He might do in the future, but faith is not swayed by speculation. It has eyes to see truth, never needing to try to explain away a miracle or look for evidence to contradict it. Faith isn’t gullible, of course; but when God has clearly done something, supporting evidence is superfluous.

In what areas of your faith are you still looking for evidence? Nothing is wrong with discernment; we are all required to be wise in what we embrace as coming from God. But once God has answered a prayer, are you skeptical about whether it was really Him? Do you secretly search for alternate explanations? Do you play the role of the seeker until God answers, then play the role of the skeptic afterward?

Many believers do. Elisha didn’t. The eyes of faith see God clearly enough to be satisfied. When you have seen God work, be confident in what you have seen.

ADDITIONAL READING: John 9:17-25

A man with an experience is never at the mercy of a man with an argument.

LEONARD RAVENHILL