In the biblical passage above, the great prophet, Elisha, is at the end of his life, and the King of Israel, Jehoash, comes to visit him. At the time, the nation of Israel is being greatly oppressed by the Arameans, so the prophet asks the king to get his bow and some arrows. Back then, it was customary to shoot an arrow in the direction of the country which an army intended to invade. So Elisha directs the king to take the bow in his hands, and when he does, the old prophet does something startling. He puts his own hands on top of the king's hands. "Open the east window," [Elisha] said, and he opened it. "Shoot!" Elisha said, and he shot. "The Lord's arrow of victory, the arrow of victory over Aram!" Elisha declared. "You will completely destroy the Arameans at Aphek." (2 Kings 13:17 NIV)

Why did Elisha place his hands on top of the king's hands before he shot the arrow? One Bible commentator says that it signified that in all of the king's expeditions against the Arameans, "he must look up to God for direction and strength; must reckon his own hands insufficient for him, and must go on in dependence on the divine aid." This principle has an application for you and me today, as followers of Christ. Whatever it is that God calls us to do, whatever challenges we must face in this life, we must look to Christ for guidance and strength, and depend on His divine assistance and aid.

Scripture tells us: "We are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places." (Ephesians 6:12 NLT) So for us, "the Lord's arrow of victory" should be aimed at the devil and his dark forces. As we "put on the whole armor of God" each day, and "pray without ceasing," we will have all the resources of heaven on our side to gain the victory. (Ephesians 6:13; 1 Thessalonians 5:17) Whatever enemies you are facing today - illness, lack, loneliness, bad habits, addictions, relationship or family troubles - ask Jesus to place His hands upon yours, and watch Him lead you through to victory!

Prayer: Lord, I agree with You that apart from You, I can do nothing. (John 15:5) So help me to always look to You for guidance and strength. Teach me how to live my life dependent upon Your divine assistance and aid. Put Your hands on mine, and help me to shoot the victory arrow squarely against the enemy every time. Thank You that I can and will do all things through Christ who strengthens me! (Philippians 4:13)