Reading: Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me. 2 Kings 2:9

Elisha’s request involves an acknowledgement of a great need. He had been chosen to be the successor to Elijah and he felt his own personal weakness.

Elijah had been a fearless servant of Jehovah and had accomplished much in his ministry, but the time was fast approaching for God to take him home. As his replacement, Elisha was being thrust into a ministry that demanded courage, commitment, and consistency. Elisha knew that he was not sufficient for it, and so he asked for a double portion of the Spirit.

Elisha dared not go forward in his own strength. He did not depend on his past experience; rather he realised his greatest need was the fulness of the Holy Ghost. This realisation was translated into a request. He was unashamed to ask for divine power. While Elisha realised that he was not sufficient for these things, he equally realised that his sufficiency was of God.

Elisha’s request should be the request of every believer who strives to do something for God. The fulness of the Holy Spirit is an indispensible part of the Christian life. Paul exhorted, “Be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18). Any level of Christian service will be hindered and hampered if we ignore our complete dependence on the Holy Spirit. God’s work is too important to be attempted in the arm of the flesh; that approach will bring sure and certain failure. The only way to success is to pray with Elisha, “Let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me.” That request is in accordance with God’s will and will therefore be met with God’s favour. If we ask we shall receive. Our heavenly Father will not deprive us of heavenly power.

“God will always supply the power to do His work to all who really want it.” Maxwell Boyd

Taken from A Word in Season edited by Alan Cairns, 2010. Used by permission.