Experiencing God's Presence #340

If you see me when I am taken from you, then you will get your request. But if not, then you won’t.

2 Kings 2:10

Elisha was given a sign. Elijah told him he would know if the spiritual double portion was granted if he saw Elijah as he ascended. As they were walking, a chariot of fire came between them, and a whirlwind took Elijah up. And not only was Elijah visible, Elisha was able to keep his eyes on him as he ascended.

That must have been no small task. In the commotion of such a startling supernatural event, staying focused on one person involved couldn’t have been easy. Perhaps there was design in that divine test: if a prophetic apprentice could follow his mentor’s instructions in the midst of such chaos, he was fully prepared to follow his Lord’s instructions in the chaos of a prophetic ministry, with all its rejection and persecution. Whether that was the purpose of the test or not, Elisha passed. He remained focused. He kept his eyes on his master.

If we want the greater portion—more power and Presence in God’s Spirit—we must be people of focus. We need to be able to look past the distractions of the day, the opposition against the Kingdom, and the obstacles we inevitably encounter and see only the Master. Our gaze must be continuous. If we look to the side, we’ll get discouraged or distracted easily. If we don’t, we’ll have what we’re looking for. We receive what we behold.

Watch your gaze. We have been told to keep our eyes on Jesus and run with endurance (Hebrews 12:1-2)—no easy trick in an age of many distractions. Don’t let your mind be filled with less worthy visions. Those who refine their focus are rewarded with what they see.

Jesus, let me see only You. Help me look past distractions, deceptions, and difficulties. With my eyes on You, I can fulfill any purpose You set before me, and I’ll know Your Presence is with me always.

From the book