Do you struggle to see God’s hand in your daily life? Do you wonder whether you’re enough to fulfill the duties you are given? Then the prophet Elisha from the Old Testament might be a great hero for you to study.
Elijah was certainly inspired in his choice of Elisha to become the next prophet. We know from the fact that Elijah found Elisha plowing with 12 yoke of oxen that Elisha must have been very wealthy. Elisha showed through killing a yoke of oxen to eat and burning the equipment used with them that he was willing to give up his riches and the things of the world. How was Elisha so sure that he would be all right without his riches and that his family would be all right without him? Because he knew God takes care of His own.
It is understandably difficult to let go of things that we think we may need. But whether it’s by paying tithing, giving up a day of work to honor the Sabbath, or leaving the company of friends who would have us lower our standards, keeping God’s commandments ultimately gives us more than we are giving up. It invites God to work in our lives.
Elisha was fairly unique in that he never expressed doubt in his abilities or in Elijah’s choice. When Elijah was taken up into heaven, Elisha didn’t waste any time getting started on his prophetic duties, and he performed many impressive miracles, such as raising a boy from the dead. How was Elisha so confident? One clue is that when Elisha parted the Jordan River, he specifically called down the power of the same God who had helped Elijah. He also had no problem with sending servants in his stead, as he did to help Naaman. Elisha knew that God’s power was the same no matter who was wielding it.
We may someday be asked to accept a calling that we don’t feel prepared for or suited to. But the ability to use God’s power isn’t based on our talents or experience. What does it take to use God’s power? Another story from the ministry of Elisha may give us the answer.
A widow came to Elisha asking for help, noting that she had nothing with which to provide for her family besides a little bit of oil. Elisha told her to gather as many containers as she could and bring them to him. She borrowed from her neighbors, and Elisha filled every single vessel with oil, even asking whether she had any more vessels for him to fill. The widow ended up with so much oil that she was able to sell much of it and pay for what she needed.
Like the oil in this story, God’s power is unlimited—all He needs in order to bestow it are vessels. The shape and appearance of the container doesn’t matter as long as the vessel is without cracks. God knows that none of us is perfect or all that we should be, but all that matters is that we are worthy of the Holy Ghost. At that point, there are no limits to the power God can give us.
But what about the times when we’re doing our best but still don’t see God being active in our lives? What if we feel that we need more help than we’re getting? A servant felt the same way when he looked over an impending battle between Israel and Syria and saw Syria’s vast numbers. He was dubious when Elisha assured him that there were more on their side than on Syria’s.
Like the servant, we often look at our problems through physical eyes. We see everything stacked up against us and worry about the odds of things working out in our favor. What we need are spiritual eyes. Only when Elisha bade the servant look through the lens of God’s power did the servant see angelic hosts ready to fight on Elisha’s behalf. Though we may not be able to see the angels around us, we can see numberless blessings, people placed nearby to lend a hand, and God’s promises to take care of us.
If you need further proof that God is more present than we realize, look back on your life and at your current self. No doubt you have seen some struggles. You may even have wondered before how you would ever survive a trial. But you’re still here. Even if things haven’t always turned out how you would have chosen, you have endured hardships and even learned on the way. God has helped you just as He helped Elisha.
What Elisha Did | What We Can Do |
Accepted his calling quickly (1 Kings 19:19) | Fulfil all of our duties without question |
Gave up oxen and wealth (1 Kings 19:19-21) | Be willing to sacrifice worldly things for God |
Parted the Jordan after Elijah left (2 Kings 2:14) | Trust in the gifts God gives to us |
Provided food, raised boy from dead (2 Kings 4) | Use our gifts from God to bless others |
Healed Naaman, took no reward (2 Kings 5:9-17) | Have faith in God’s power and give Him all credit |
Showed servant angelic army (2 Kings 6:16-17) | Remember that God is all we need on our side |