Things we need to see…
2 Ki. 6:8-17

13 And he said, Go and spy where he is, that I may send and fetch him. And it was told him, saying, Behold, he is in Dothan.
14 Therefore sent he thither horses, and chariots, and a great host: and they came by night, and compassed the city about.
15 And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do?
16 And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.
17 And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.

Somehwere use IL "Vision" #260 and 261

  1. The flimsy excuses that extinguish our fervor for the Lord
    1. This falls on the way of laziness
    2. Some excuses
      1. Don't have the time
      2. No one else is doing any better
      3. I am doing my best - considering
      4. No one notices if I do or don't…
      5. I am too tired
      6. I tried once and it did not work
      7. The Lord understands
      8. I am only human!, etc

  2. The blocking of God's will by the insertion of our own will and desires
    1. This is selfishness
    2. What we say by this…
      1. I don't want to do His
      2. I am not going to do His will!
      3. I have more important things to do with my time and life!
      4. I am more important than God, His plans, His commands, His way!
      5. I know more than God does!!!!!

  3. The continual practice of substituting our works for His grace
    1. This borders on the line of stubbornness
    2. What we say by this…
      1. God is not capable of taking care of me
      2. God's plan is insufficient
      3. God's Son died for nothing
      4. I know more than God
      5. I do not need God

  4. The overlooking the great ability of the Hand that overshadows us with His protection
    1. This is a definite lack of faith
    2. This is what we say by this…
      1. God is untruthful - or a liar
      2. God will not keep His promises
      3. God is not Omnipotent and cannot take care of His own
      4. God does not know my needs
      5. God is not God
Conc. - So we need to be willing to see what God has for our lives. Should we be dismayed? OR should we be encouraged because God is in control and God is able to take care of us? Should we not be as Elisha and pray for each other that we will meet what needs to happen in our lives.
 

17 And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw:
 

Gary Marcum - East 38th Street FWB - 041199am