Make the choice of optimism ! (1)

18.05.2021

Tuesday, May 18, 2021

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in faith, that you may overflow with hope, through the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15. 13

Do you know the story of this pessimistic officer who died, pushed around and trampled by a starving crowd, because he ignored a prophecy from Elisha ? It was at the time of the siege of Samaria by the king of Syria, Ben-hadad. No more food entered the besieged city. Inflation was rampant : a donkey's head cost a fortune, but the starving residents were ready to eat anything at any cost. Babies were even considered acceptable food (2 Kings 6:25-29). The King of Israel blamed God for this situation, but not being able to blame Him, he decided to execute Elisha. Accompanied by an officer, he confronted the latter who calmly told him that the famine would end and that the next day an abundance of food would be offered to the starving inhabitants of Samaria. The officer accompanying the king couldn't help but express his pessimism : “Even if the Lord opened windows in heaven, would this word be fulfilled ?” (2 Kings 7.2). And Elisha replied that he would see this prophecy come true, but without profiting from it. During the night God frightened the Syrians to the point that they fled their camp, leaving tons of food behind them. Lepers, more optimistic than the officer, discovered the abandoned camp and eventually shared their discovery with the king. The crowd rushed to take advantage of the windfall and the king's officer was stuck against the rampart and died crushed by the human tide ! His pessimism had cost him his life. Has pessimism robbed you of your joy ? God is almighty. He can get you out of any dire situation. You still have to trust Him and accept what He promises you !

Source (His Word for Today)