I’m in Washington, DC as I write this letter. Being here is a vivid reminder of the absolute sovereignty of God over all things. All around me are the buildings and people and leaders of the most powerful nation in modern history. The decisions that are made within these very impressive buildings have repercussions that spread all over the world. Yet for all the power and influence that is wielded here, it is not supreme. It is not the ultimate force that will determine our futures. Neither this, nor any other force in the world is the ultimate determiner of any aspect of the future. Only God alone is such a force.
I’m reminded of the passage in II Kings 6:6-23 which tells the story of Elisha as he is being pursed and threatened by the king of Syria. As the king surrounds the city in which Elisha and his servant are staying, the circumstances look very bleak indeed. In the morning, Elisha’s servant sees the vast army of the Syrians all around the city and he becomes scared. Elisha responds by comforting him with the truth that God is supreme.
“16 He said, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” 17 Then 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.” II Kings 6:16-17
Even though the Lord’s army was hidden from the young man’s eyes, it was still there and Elisha knew it was invincible—even in the face of the very powerful Syrian army.
I know I am sometimes tempted to think like the young man in this story. It is easy to become scared or discouraged at the overwhelming circumstances we often face. However, we are at all times backed by the same army as was Elisha. We, therefore, can be resolute, brave, fearless, and bold with the knowledge that “those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” What a glorious, emboldening truth!
Praying for eyes to see the chariots of fire all around,
Tim
Tim Tomlinson
President
Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for incoming seminary students. We have a strong class entering for the fall—including two international students. Pray that their transitions would be smooth and the Lord would protect them from the wiles of the devil as he attempts to discourage them.
- Pray also for our incoming college classes. We are still taking applications for both our traditional programs and our non-traditional program. Pray that the Lord would bring just the right people into these programs.
- Please pray also for strong giving to the Alex Steddom International Student Fund. Now that the Lord is bringing more international students to our school, the need for the fund is becoming more and more evident.
- Please pray that much good will come out of my meetings here in Washington.