16 And he [Elisha the prophet] said, “Thus says the Lord, ‘I will make this dry streambed full of pools.’ 17 For thus says the Lord, ‘You shall not see wind or rain, but that streambed shall be filled with water, so that you shall drink, you, your livestock, and your animals.’ 18 This is a light thing in the sight of the Lord. He will also give the Moabites into your hand, 19 and you shall attack every fortified city and every choice city, and shall fell every good tree and stop up all springs of water and ruin every good piece of land with stones.” 20 The next morning, about the time of offering the sacrifice, behold, water came from the direction of Edom, till the country was filled with water. ~ 2 Kings 3:16-20
When the King of Israel, the King of Judah, and the King of Edom heard these words, their hearts were encouraged. They went after Moab; as a matter of fact, they destroyed Moab to the point where Moab fled, and they continued beating them as they chased him. Now catch what happens when the King of Moab sees that he’s losing and could not break away from them.
27 Then he [King of Moab] took his oldest son who was to reign in his place and offered him for a burnt offering on the wall. And there came great wrath against Israel. And they withdrew from him and returned to their own land.
Those men who all believed what Elisha the PROPHET just said were now running with their tail between their legs. Elisha specifically said that THE LORD would give the Moabites into their hands, yet they ended up running away and returning to their own land because GREAT WRATH came against them. You know what is never said in this story? That Elisha was a False Prophet. Not once is that mentioned. Not once was that even considered. They don’t even go back to war with the Moabites during the lifetime of Elisha.
Elisha prophesied with the utmost confidence that The LORD would give the Moabites into the hands of these three kings, but because the King of Moab turned to witchcraft, Israel lost. Now, I’m not saying that witchcraft is stronger than God. We know that isn’t true, but witchcraft isn’t just something to laugh at either. This is why Paul tells us to put on the Full Armor of God, tear down strongholds, cast down thoughts, etc. We wouldn’t need armor if the enemy had no power.
When God gives us a word, we have to hold to that word. Israel, Judah, and Edom were given a word, but they ran instead of calling on the Name of The LORD. What would’ve happened if they stood on the word given to them by Elisha from God? If they had only gone in the power of God instead of their own power, they would have seen the word God gave to Elisha come to pass.
God can give us a word, but unless we do our part, that word will not come to pass. And just like Israel, Judah, and Edom, we will have no one else to blame but ourselves. We have to do our part. Moses had to raise his staff in faith. Abraham had to carry his son Isaac up the mountain sacrifice him in faith. Noah had to build the ark in faith. We have to do our part in faith. Things don’t always go smoothly. Things don’t always happen the way we expect, but if we are faithful and stand on the word God has given to us, then we will see that word come to pass.
Peace. Love. Go Forth and Hold To The Word God Has Given You.