Article March 16, 2020 Issue

“Now what?”

Andrea McCormick

Originally published in The Christian Science Monitor’s Christian Science Perspective column February 4, 2020.

The Bible tells a story of the Syrian army surrounding the city of Dothan in order to capture the prophet Elisha. In desperation, his servant asked, in effect, “Now what?” Their demise seemed imminent.

Elisha’s response was surprising: “ ‘Don’t be afraid,’ the prophet answered. ‘Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.’ And Elisha prayed, ‘Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.’ Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha” (II Kings 6:16, 17, New International Version). Not only were they saved, but Elisha went on to spare his captured enemies as well.

Elisha’s profound answer taught me a great lesson. I’ve never been surrounded by a literal army, but the idea that God’s angels are always surrounding us has helped me many times throughout my life.

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