You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. (1 John 4:4)

In 2 Kings 6 the following account was recorded for our encouragement in the face of seemingly overwhelming odds. Israel’s enemies were so desperate to capture the prophet Elisha they sent their great army of horses and chariots during the night to surround the city. When Elisha’s servant woke up and saw this army, he immediately filled with fear and cried out, “What shall we do?”

How many times has this question come to our minds as we receive news of a frightening medical condition for ourselves or for a loved one? In my life, I can say many times.

In the scripture, Elisha answered this question, “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” He prayed and asked for his servant’s eyes to open so that he could see what Elisha could see. The scriptures state, “Then 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.”

When I heard the doctor tell us my wife had cancer I felt like Elisha’s servant. When I received news my mother was being placed on a ventilator due to Covid my heart dropped again. In spite of the outcomes, in those situations my fear was soon replaced with peace as my eyes were allowed to see the greatness of our God and His power to save us.

In our lives we may seem to face formidable symptoms, negative reports, and maybe even financial debt. But we are God’s beloved. Take your eyes off of the enemy so you may see the exceeding greatness of God’s power and deliverance.