Daily Fountain Devotional 20 May 2020 for Anglican Communion
TOPIC: Be Alert!
TEXT: 2 Kings 2:1-15 (NKJV)
STUDY: Elijah did not tell Elisha about his impending departure until the very end (v.9). Elisha and the other prophets knew of this coming event apparently by revelation (vs. 3, vs5 and vs7).
God often reveals His plans to people who walk with Him (Gen. 18:17; Amos 3:7). Elijah initially asked Elisha to remain at Bethel and then at Jericho. Was it to prevent Elisha from making the request in verse 9 or to test his faith and patience? Whatever the case, Elisha was clearly determined. Having abandoned his farming enterprise and followed Elijah for the latter part of his challenging prophetic ministry, Elisha would not want anything to distract him (1 Kings 19:16-21; vs. 2-3, vs4-6).
Elisha’s desire was for a double portion of Elijah’s spirit and power (v.9)! Although this was a difficult request, it would be granted if he was alert (v.10). What level of faith is required to make such a request, and have it fulfilled (Matt. 17:20; Heb. 11:6)?
Apart from lack of faith, major barriers to receiving answers to prayers are sin, lack of knowledge of the power of God, and praying with wrong motives or outside God’s will (Isaiah 59:1-3; Mark 12:21; James 4:3). What can we do to ensure that our prayer requests are granted?
DAILY QUOTE: Then Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” (Mark 9:23)
PRAYER: Dear Lord, please increase our faith!
Daily Fountain Devotional 20 May 2020 written by the Anglican Communion.