AGAINST THE OBVIOUS!

We have an unlimited number of books on the best seller's list on how to be successful. Elijah and Elisha were two of the most successful leaders in the Old Testament, yet a study of their successful lives go against the obvious definition of success as defined by this world! The world defines success by: level of income, control or power, how many work for you, how many departments are under you, how big a project you manage, how large your home or farm is, how much profit you earn, or how much inventory you stock and sell! But true spiritual success is not so much what you have as it is what you are. And since the key to success is WHO we are and not WHAT we do, than success comes to those who know how to live life properly! On Elijah’s final ministry journey he offers Elisha three opportunities to leave him as he was venturing into some tough areas ...

Gilgal to Bethel ... from the mountains to the valley!
Bethel to Jericho ... to a city that God had cursed!
Jericho to the Jordan ... the boundary of the Promise Land to the wilderness!

Yet, Elisha was in this ministry relationship for the long haul, even when the trip was to be a difficult one, or a final one! Whatever came they would face it together. While others may have stood as spectators, Elisha stood by Elijah's side as a faithful ministry companion! Elisha’s ministry would be determined a success before God, not by how many would be saved under his ministry, but by his faithfulness to BE what God called him to be! Elisha’s character is about to be revealed by an offer of any thing he wished for would be granted! Character determines everything in life ... what you do will flow from what you are. And so Elisha requests "A DOUBLE PORTION OF ELIJAH'S SPIRIT." This was not a request for twice as much power! This was not a request for twice as many miracles! It was the language of a first born son desiring his father's blessings! We have a wonderful heavenly father that wants to bless His children . . . so make sure that you chose His blessings over the obvious success of this world.

Blessings!
Pastor John J. Dodd