Elisha prayed and said, “O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see.” So the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha (2 Kings 6:17).

When our children were small, we sometimes worried about their safety on the stairs of our home. The long staircase offered no landing to ease the danger of its steep slope. But the more we worried, the more the kids seemed attracted to the stairs – our youngest daughter especially.

Normally, we would scold the toddler for heading up the stairs alone, but one time, she was trying so hard that I didn’t have the heart to stop her. Instead, I followed close behind – with my hands ready to catch her. 

When she reached the top, she was so proud of her accomplishment that she raised her hands in triumph. If she had been a rooster, she would have crowed. 

She did not realize that her success and safety were secured by hands other than her own. Likewise, as much as we may think our accomplishments are all our doing, God is actually holding us in his hands, and directing the hosts of heaven to keep us secure for his purposes.

Prayer:
Father, when my trials or my pride threaten to overwhelm my spirit, help me to remember the heavenly hosts that guard my soul and also your hands that secure me more than I ever fully realize on earth.