Scripture Reference 2 Kings 6 : 13-17

 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.” ¹⁴ Then he sent horses and chariots and a strong force there. They went by night and surrounded the city.

¹⁵ When 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.” ¹⁷ 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.

Elisha’s ability to see the superior spiritual reality encircling him was not happenstance, it was only by the enabling of the Holy Spirit appropriated by faith. All of us regardless of status, position, or level of faith will face and contend with opposition. None of us can afford to be caught unaware and unprepared by the enemy’s tactics. In this text the enemy encircled Elisha.  That is exactly how the enemy works; he is determined to make you think you have nowhere to go! But like Israel trapped against the Red Sea or Elisha trapped in his home there is a way that God makes for His children and it might only become apparent when you can feel the enemies breath on your neck!

Elisha and his servant represent two distinct facets of faith, the servant is reflective of immature faith that quickly falters at the first sign of real trouble and Elisha reflective of steadfast faith that when tested clearly demonstrates the superiority of his spiritual muscle that is ready for every challenge!

Your faith muscle will not grow unless you work it. Elisha was without question a man of faith from the outset. When Elijah first called Elisha, do you remember how he responded? 1 Kings 19: ¹⁹ So Elijah went from there and found Elisha son of Shaphat. He was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen, and he himself was driving the twelfth pair. Elijah went up to him and threw his cloak around him. ²⁰ Elisha then left his oxen and ran after Elijah. “Let me kiss my father and mother goodbye,” he said, “and then I will come with you.” “Go back,” Elijah replied. “What have I done to you?” ²¹ So Elisha left him and went back. He took his yoke of oxen and slaughtered them. He burned the plowing equipment to cook the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out to follow Elijah and became his servant.” Elisha had a life, perhaps even some wealth considering his twelve yoke of oxen, yet he willingly slaughtered his heard and burned his plowing equipment, actions clearly demonstrating his great faith to follow God!

Later on Elisha witnessed the supernatural departure of his master, something he could only see through the eyes of faith! Seeing Elijah taken up into heaven was not something any mere mortal could see, but only he whose heart and faith were acceptable to God. 

Elisha not only saw the horses and chariots of fire encircling the enemy but through faith he declared, “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” That kind of confidence only comes from faith! Elisha also possessed faith to pray for his servant that he too might see the presence of God surrounding them in the form of horses and chariots of fire! Through prayer he saw the army of the Living God, something only perceivable through the eyes of faith!