Infused with Courage
It may look like I’m surrounded
But I’m surrounded by you
It may look like I’m surrounded
But I’m surrounded by you
This is how I fight my battles.
Do you know this feeling? You’re surrounded on all sides. No way out. Oxygen is limited. Your heart quickens its pace. You try to run, and you can’t. You are searching, seeking relief. But no way out is found. You’re stuck. Pinned in on all sides.
“When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh my lord, what shall we do?” The servant asked. “Do not be afraid” The prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them. And Elisha prayed, “Oh Lord open his eyes so he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes and he looked and saw the hills full or horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.”
2 Kings 6:15-17 NIV
Could it be that what we perceive as a great army surrounding us is truly the presence of God?Perhaps we feel surrounded because of our circumstances, heartbreaks, endless disappointments manifesting as our reality. There have been many a times in my life where I mistake foiled plans as mistreatment or broken promises, instead of God’s prevenient grace. A grace that goes before and behind, hemming us in.
“You hem me in- behind and before; you have laid your hand on me.”
Psalm 139:5 NIV
Perhaps, when you’re feeling surrounded, it’s the grace of God enveloping you in a great big hug, preparing the way. His presence infuses us with courage, allows us to take deeper breaths, and face greater feats. This peace He grants doesn’t make human sense. It is supernatural and transcends all understanding (Philippians 4). He supplies us with overwhelming peace, even in the midst of the greatest battles. He reminds us, the battles we are feebly fighting are not ours-but His.
“He said: “Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the Lord says to you: “Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For this battle is not yours, but God’s… You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.”
2 Chronicles 20:15 NIV
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because the King of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him. With him is only the army of flesh, but with us is the Lord, our God to help us and to fight our battles. And the people gained confidence from what Hezekiah the king of Judah said.”
2 Chronicles 32:7-8 NIV
Are you lacking a little courage? Are you craving a little confidence today? Then, listen up, sister, this is not our battle! The battles we are fighting, surrounded on all sides, are not our own. When we lean back and fall into the loving arms of the Father, He infuses us with courage, drenches us in grace, and clothes us in peace. It may look like I’m surrounded, but I’m surrounded by you.
- Kierstin Almstrum, ARISE Director of Online Operations and Project Management