Frustration filled the air as the King of Syria realized once more his plans were foiled! Somehow Israel’s army had again avoided attack. There must be a spy in their midst! In questioning his servants, rather than finding a spy, he found the problem. From many miles away in Dothan, his private plans were being revealed to Elisha directly from God. Well, he would take care of this once and for all!

And with that the King of Syria gave the command for his army to surround the city of Dothan in the dark of the night to capture Elisha in the morning. Meanwhile Elisha and his servant settled in their quarters for the night, unaware two armies were stepping into place around the city.

Morning dawned and Elisha’s servant headed out the door to get a start on the tasks of the day. Stopped in his tracks, his heart started racing. The entire city was surrounded by an army with horses and chariots! He turned running with lightning speed back to Elisha and sharing the news exclaimed “Alas, my master! What shall we do?” (2 Kings 6:15b)

With calming assurance, Elisha replied, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” (2 Kings 6:16) Praying, Elisha requested of the Lord that his servant ‘s eyes be opened to see the fiery chariots of the Lord’s army surrounding the Syrian army. Eyes open, the servant saw what Elisha had seen through eyes of faith. With a request for God to take sight from the Syrians, Elisha led the blind army right into the midst of the army of Israel. After being given a feast, they were released to return to their king, leaving behind any further attempts to raid Israel.

Both men saw the same danger yet both responded so differently. Elisha looked at the danger through eyes of faith and knew the Lord was his refuge, his protection, and his deliverer. The servant needed God to open his eyes to have faith. God had already offered the same provision for their safety, yet only one trusted in what he could not see.

Isn’t it hard to trust when we cannot see or understand? So often I am no different from Elisha’s servant. A troubling situation comes about causing me to worry and doubt. Rather than trusting in God’s plan, I start to formulate my own plan to help me through the situation. I look for answers and cannot find any. Maybe the hard does not go away. God never promised we would go through life without difficulty. What He did promise is that we will never walk through anything alone. Trusting in God comes as I look through difficulties with eyes of faith, remembering who God is and what He has promised to do.

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved  into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.” (Psalm 46:1-3)

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” (Psalm 91:1-2)

“For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us.” (Psalm 62:5-8)

Through the storms of life, we do not need to be shaken because He is a fortress we can dwell in and a shelter of refuge. He will never leave us or forsake us. He is the rock on which we stand, our protector, our salvation. His everlasting love covers us as His divine protection surrounds us.

Trust Him. Whatever you are facing today, look at your situation with eyes of faith and know His armies are surrounding you. Those who are with you are greater than those who are against you. Trust God, even when you cannot see.