Those with us are more...

8Now the king of Aram was at war with Israel. After conferring with his officers, he said, “I will set up my camp in such and such a place.”

9The man of God sent word to the king of Israel: “Beware of passing that place, because the Arameans are going down there.” 10So the king of Israel checked on the place indicated by the man of God. Time and again Elisha warned the king, so that he was on his guard in such places.

11This enraged the king of Aram. He summoned his officers and demanded of them, “Tell me! Which of us is on the side of the king of Israel?”

12“None of us, my lord the king,” said one of his officers, “but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the very words you speak in your bedroom.”

13“Go, find out where he is,” the king ordered, “so I can send men and capture him.” The report came back: “He is in Dothan.” 14Then he sent horses and chariots and a strong force there. They went by night and surrounded the city.

15When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?” the servant asked.

16“Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”

17He is And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

18As the enemy came down toward him, Elisha prayed to the Lord, “Strike this army with blindness.” So he struck them with blindness, as Elisha had asked.

19Elisha told them, “This is not the road and this is not the city. Follow me, and I will lead you to the man you are looking for.” And he led them to Samaria.

20After they entered the city, Elisha said, “Lord, open the eyes of these men so they can see.” Then the Lord opened their eyes and they looked, and there they were, inside Samaria.

21When the king of Israel saw them, he asked Elisha, “Shall I kill them, my father? Shall I kill them?”

22“Do not kill them,” he answered. “Would you kill those you have captured with your own sword or bow? Set food and water before them so that they may eat and drink and then go back to their master.” 23So he prepared a great feast for them, and after they had finished eating and drinking, he sent them away, and they returned to their master. So the bands from Aram stopped raiding Israel’s territory.  (2 Kings 6)

Thoughts; We usually only remember snippets of stories.  The snippet of this story is found in verse 16, "Do not be afraid.  Those who are with us are more than those who are with them."  Many times we forget the power of God to keep us and watch over us.  We seem to be over-awed and afraid of whatever and whomever we face.  But God IS God ALMIGHTY!  He is always more powerful than our enemies.  This does not mean we will always win if we believe.  There are battles loss- like when Jesus died on the cross.  But even the great loss has redemptive value and the great resurrection would not happen without it.  

So today, do not fear.  Believe that God and His angels watch over you as you do His will but still face opposition.  Be strong in the Lord. 
       As we celebrate Independence Day, I think back to one of the great heroes of the Revolution who though severely outnumbered, held an army in check until Washington could get his checkmate in place at Yorktown.  I am talking about Francis Marion, the Swampfox.  His parents and grandparents were French Huguenots (Calvinists) who were persecuted and moved to America.  If they were not persecuted the American Revolution would look differently in South Carolina.  Numbers, organization, and worldly might is not the most important thing.  

Prayer: Open my eyes to your might and care, O Lord.