The city of Samaria, capital of the northern kingdom of Israel, was in a terrible predicament. They were besieged by the Arameans. Joram, son of Ahab, who was king of Israel, blamed Elisha for this. It is possible that the Arameans were still chasing Elisha, and this is why they had besieged the city. Perhaps Joram was frustrated by Elisha’s inactivity. Whatever the case, it was not until Joram expressed his frustration to Elisha that things changed. God then responded to Elisha who was responding to the anguish of Joram. It sounds as if Joram had not asked Elisha to do anything up to this point. This would make sense since Joram was not in the habit of seeking God. Joram, according to the writer of Kings, observed the cult of Jeroboam (2 Kings 3:3). The communication from Joram to Elisha was far from being a request. In fact, it was really an expression of anger. But it was close enough to a request for God, who wanted to show his people how readily he would save them if they just trusted in him. And save them he did. If Joram can find some favour with God then, believe me, so can you. You don’t need to utter some great and articulate prayer to be heard by God. A simple cry for help will do. God wants us to pray. Having told us repeatedly to pray, will he not then answer? Don’t ever hold back from praying, whatever predicament you might be in. God will answer in his way and in his time, but answer you he will.
Bring your greatest concerns to God and give them, and yourself, over to him.
Read 2 Kings 6:24-7:20
