More Are With You Than Against You

Elisha’s servant learned that God’s help was already there, even before he could see it.

Scripture:
“And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.”
—2 Kings 6:16

Devotional Thought:
Elisha’s servant had every reason to feel afraid.

When he woke up and went outside, he saw an army surrounding the city. Horses. Chariots. Soldiers. Danger everywhere. From what he could see, they were trapped and outnumbered.

So he asked Elisha, “Alas, my master! how shall we do?”

In other words: What are we going to do?

Elisha’s answer was simple:

“Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.”

Then Elisha prayed, “Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see.” The Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he saw the mountain full of horses and chariots of fire.

The army was real.

But it was not the whole picture.

That is important to remember when you feel surrounded by anxiety, temptation, pressure, loneliness, comparison, doubt, discouragement, or fear about the future. Those things may be real. But they are not the only reality.

God’s help is real too.

Jesus Christ is real. The Holy Ghost is real. Covenants are real. Angels are real. Priesthood power is real. The words of prophets are real. Heaven is closer than you may realize.

This story also teaches us something powerful about prophets. Elisha could see what his servant could not yet see. Prophets are seers. They help us recognize dangers and blessings that may not be obvious to the world.

Sometimes the Lord may not immediately remove the army in front of us. But He can open our eyes. He can help us see His hand, feel His peace, trust His servants, and remember that we are never as alone or outnumbered as we feel.

Quote:
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland taught:

“In the gospel of Jesus Christ you have help from both sides of the veil, and you must never forget that.”

Reflection:
Where in my life do I need the Lord to open my eyes and help me see His hand more clearly?

Today’s Challenge:
Sometime today, pray using Elisha’s words: “Lord, open my eyes.” Then look for one evidence of God’s help — a prompting, a person, a scripture, peace, strength, or a reminder that you are not alone.

Get the full 2 Kings 2–7 Come Follow Me for Teens Study & Teaching Guide at joshdowns.com/cfm-resources.