3 Then the sons of the prophets who were at Bethel came out to Elisha and said, “Do you know that the Lord will take your master away from you today?” He said, “Yes, I know. Be quiet.”
5 Then the sons of the prophets who were in Jericho came up to Elisha and said, “Do you know that the Lord will take your master away from you today?” He said, “Yes, I know. Be quiet.” ~ 2 Kings 2:3, 5 CSB
It was time for Elijah to be taken up. It wasn’t private knowledge; others knew of this, and they came to Elisha to tell him Elijah was being taken away that day. They were the sons of the prophets of Bethel and Jericho. Two different times. Two different locations. Two different sets of people came to discourage Elisha, but he stood firm.
They came to him and asked if he knew his master was being taken away from him that day. The man who called Elisha and taught him everything he knew was being taken away, and these two sets of men came to let Elisha know.
Now, their prophecy could’ve discouraged him, but he didn’t allow their words to penetrate his heart or his mind. He silenced them.
Sometimes, people will come up to you to tell you how hard something is going to be or weigh in on how they believe your life will turn out. They may even have your best interest at heart, even though their words are discouraging. Sometimes, people in your life unknowingly allow the devil to use them in order to discourage you, and they don’t even realize it. They may think they’re doing what’s best for you when, in reality, they are defeating you before you can even truly get started.
Just as these sons of the prophets may have thought they were doing good by warning Elisha, so may other people feel the same way when they tell you discouraging things. But just as Elisha silenced them, you have to silence others. Not physically, but spiritually. You give the words they spoke to you and on you to the Lord. You don’t allow their discouraging words to penetrate your heart or mind. Instead, you cover yourself with the armor of God so that you might be protected from the attacks of the enemy. So that you can fill your mind with Truth and not lies. With hope and not fear.
Peace. Love. Go Forth and Silence Them.