9 And so it was, when they had crossed over, that Elijah said to Elisha, “Ask! What may I do for you, before I am taken away from you?” 2 Kings 2:9
Prior to our anchor scripture, specifically in 2 Kings 2:1-8, Elijah had perceived that it was time for him to be transitioned to glory. Although he did not mention this to Elisha, Elisha had, by wisdom, understood that the time was almost close. Three times Elijah tried to get Elisha to go back from him, by giving excuses that God had sent him to Bethel, Jordan and Jericho; but those three times, Elisha refused to leave him alone! He followed his master everywhere he went.
He was determined to get a final blessing from him, before Elijah departed. The beauty of the stories in the Old Testament lies in the fact that they portray beautiful, time tested and universal principles time after time! As I studied this account of scripture, I could not help but notice the principle of persistence yet again!
Elisha wanted something by all means from his master. He did not give up! His master tried and tried to shake him off, but he was determined to get the best he could from Elijah. In the things of the spirit also, and there are countless scriptures to back this up, without persistence, there are things that we may never enjoy!
In Jeremiah 29:13 for instance, God says, seek for me and you will find me, but only when you do it with all your heart, relentlessly, desperately, persistently! So many times in the book of proverbs, the Bible speaks of wisdom only being found by those who search almost desperately, persistently and seriously! Elisha was not going to be deterred by any excuses! He knew what he wanted and followed through till the end!
How many times have we turned our backs at the first excuse or obstacle we face? Turning away too soon is an indication of the level of importance a thing is to us. It didn’t matter what Elijah said, Elisha was ready to follow him till the end in order to get that which he desired!
What do you need so desperately? What is it that has eluded you till now? You need to be persistent and dogged! Is it wisdom for the next level? Bombard heaven till you get it! Is it healing for yourself or your loved ones? Since Jesus said He has already taken away our sicknesses, hold on to that word doggedly until the manifestation of your healing shows! Don’t give up at the first excuse or obstacle? Hold on to the end! In the things of the spirit, persistence is a vital key!
May God give us strength!
Prayer:
Father in the name of Jesus. Thank you for your word today. Give us the grace to stay motivated enough to continue believing, asking, knocking and seeking, despite the challenges or obstacles we face! Take all the glory Almighty God, in Jesus mighty name we have prayed!
If God has spoken to you through this message or if you have been blessed in anyway by this, please drop me a line on audio[email protected].
