He said, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” Then Elisha prayed and said, “O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see.” So the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. 2 Kings 6:16-17
Have you ever felt out-numbered or overwhelmed? Most everyone has at one point or another. It can be very discouraging at the very least. The good news is that this is not what God wants for you, for your heart! He wants you to know that you can be a man of valor - not because you have it all together, but rather, He has it all together.
There is a story in 2 Kings 6 that gives us a good example of how God shows up for us. Israel has been embattled by the Syrians. The Syrians haven’t made any headway because God keeps showing a discerning prophet named Elisha what the Syrian king is going to do next as far as battle plans go. (Imagine knowing every single play that your opponent is going to run before they run it! Game changer, right?) The king of Syria becomes frustrated and figures there has to be someone in his ranks who is a traitor. He is told, however, by some wise advisors that “Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the words that you speak in your bedroom.” (2 Kings 6:12b) The king is furious and decides his armies should be able to take out one man.
Well, those armies show up in Elisha’s hometown. Elisha’s servant is wetting his pants!!! But Elisha is unconcerned. You see, he sees something his servant does not - they are surrounded with God’s fiery army! He calmly conveys, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” (2 Kings 6:16) He then adds, “O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see.”
Do you see? The Bible is very clear that God is with us all the time. In fact, Isaiah tells us that Jesus would be (and is) called Immanuel - which means “God with us.” (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23) Jesus tells His believers, “Behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20b) YOU ARE NOT ALONE!!!!!!!!!! God is for you. And “if God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31b) You don’t stand alone - not in your dorm, or classes and not on the football field. God is with you!
Do you believe this? Everyone this week is praying as Elisha prayed, “O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see.” (2 Kings 6:17) May you see that God is working out His desires for you in your classes, relationships and on the football field no matter what the outcome! But most important, God wants your heart fully. He wants you to trust Him fully, no matter the circumstances of your life! No contingency can overcome His will - especially for your heart! Will you trust Him?