Have you ever put down what you wanted for what the Lord wanted for you? If you have, this is a large step in growing in faith. Paul writes in Romans 8:14, “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.” Also in Psalm 119:105 it says, through His word and His Holy Spirit, the Lord will guide us through our lives.
In our story today, the Lord was preparing Elisha to succeed Elijah. Through these tests Elisha learned something about himself. When Elijah asks him what he would like. Elisha tells him, “Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit.” Elijah told Elisha that was up to the Lord. If Elisha sees Elijah as he is taken, the request would be answered. If Elisha wasn’t watching Elijah taken up, then the request would not be answered. Elisha does see Elijah go up to heaven in a whirlwind and his cloak drops right before him. Elisha has passed the test, and the mantle of Elijah has now fallen on him. The Lord has answered his prayer.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus says, “Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.” Matthew 7:8. With this and all other verses we must examine the context. Jesus goes on to say that God will not fail to give His children good things (verse 11). There is a condition to the promise of “ask and receive.” What we ask for must be good in God’s estimation. God will give advantageous gifts to His children; He will not give us bad or injurious things, no matter how much we demand them.
What is the Lord prompting you to ask Him today that aligns with His will? How will that change your life and impact others?
To hear Elisha’s story, click here: https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/series/journey-with-elijah-and-elisha/the-passing-of-the-mantel
Tyndale House Publishers. (2013). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Ro 8:14, Psalm 119:105, Mat. 7:8). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.