"They that be with us are more than they that be with them."

I am one of the only people I know whose favorite scripture is actually out of the Old Testament, but yet I can't find a single scripture elsewhere that is as encouraging as 2 Kings 6:16.

To really understand the importance of Elisha's statement here, we need to look at the whole story - why Elisha is saying not to fear.

The king of Syria had continually tried to kill the king of Israel, but Elisha, the Lord's prophet at that time, warned the king of Israel multiple times. Understandably, the king of Syria wasn't pleased. When the king finally found out that Elisha was in Dothan, he sent his men to kill Elisha.

Elisha's servant then woke up one morning to find the city completely surrounded with Syrian warriors and horses and chariots. In a clear panic, he yells, "Alas, my master! how shall we do?"

This is where my favorite scripture comes in: Elisha calmly and faithfully replies, "Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them."

I just picture here the young servant trying to add this all up in his head. Here they are in this little city of Dothan, known primarily for its pastures. Not much defense there. He could look and count "Well there's Elisha... that's one.... and me.... soooo two?" then look up at the king of Syria's army sent out to kill him. Elisha's statement seems absurd!

But, no worries, the Lord always has a better plan, and His prophets understand that plan much better than we do. Elisha, noticing his servant's panic, prays that he will better understand his statement.

"And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha."

Point of this story: we don't need to worry! Remember, 2/3 of the host of heaven sided with Christ's plan. That means literally twice as many souls are rooting for us as are trying to tear us down. No matter what kind of ridiculously challenging scenarios might confront us, "Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them."