Experiencing God's Presence #339

Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit.

2 Kings 2:9, NIV

Elisha was a spiritual glutton. He had observed the power of God in his prophetic mentor—the miracles of healing, fire from heaven, the divine authority to command and rebuke kings—and he wanted it. He had also seen the costs—rejection and persecution, moments of exile, discouragement, and even depression—and he still sought the same spirit. The costs didn’t seem to outweigh the benefits. He knew God was at work in Elijah, and he wanted God to be at least as powerfully at work in him.

The choice between the benefits and costs of experiencing God is a choice we all face. Jesus spoke of the costs of discipleship on several occasions, pointing out that His suffering is an integral part of following Him. Being in God’s fellowship in view of the world is indeed “a difficult thing,” as Elijah called it in 2 Kings 2:10. But what about the costs of not following Him? They are greater. The Spirit may add a whole new dimension to our lives, layers of uncomfortable trials, temptations, and intense assignments. But missing out on life with Him? That’s much worse. The easy way is ultimately the harder way.

God honors those who know that. He rewards sincere spiritual gluttons—those who pursue a double portion not for their own glory but because it’s right and good to do so. He enjoys the fellowship of those who choose greater costs for greater fruitfulness, and He honors their wishes. He gives them more of the weight of His glory.

Ask God for the double portion—for more of His Presence, His gifts, His assignments. Ask boldly and often. Then expect boldly and often. God’s favor comes to those who weigh the costs and willingly accept them.

Father, it is truly a costly thing to follow You—especially to follow You fully. But I want Your Presence and power more than I want freedom from the burden of having it. Please, Lord, more. Always give me more of You.

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