COURAGE TO SERVE

• DAY 321
• FAITH FILE: ELISHA
• SCRIPTURES: 2 KINGS 2:1-3

And it came to pass, when the Lord was about to take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal. Then Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here, please, for the Lord has sent me on to Bethel.” But Elisha said, “As the Lord lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you!” So they went down to Bethel. Now the sons of the prophets who were at Bethel came out to Elisha, and said to him, “Do you know that the Lord will take away your master from over you today?” And he said, “Yes, I know; keep silent!”

In our text today, Elijah is about to leave and Elisha knows this. In fact, not just Elisha, but all the sons of the prophet too. And so everybody’s telling Elisha to move on, including Elijah. People were wondering, why he was following somebody that has come to the end of his time when he can follow people that are still trending. But Elisha is so determined on this journey that his response to them was, “Be silent” and to Elijah he said, I will not leave you.”

The more Elijah persuaded him, the more determined he was. I imagine he said, “Sir, it’s like, you don’t get the memo. I’m not leaving your side. I will stay with you until the end. The fact that your time has expired does not concern me. I signed up to serve you till your time is over, and that’s what I’m going to do.” Because he stayed, he received double the spirit of Elijah.

Take Courage

One of the most courageous things to do is to serve but on this journey, we face discouragement from all fronts, and if we’re not focused on what we are there to do and why God sent us there to serve we will leave too soon. People who serve don’t jump ships because it is no longer trending to serve there. I heard Pastor Ibiyeomie talk about how tough it can be to serve under Bishop Oyedepo but he knew that’s where God assigned him, so although it got tough he stayed when others left.

Beloved, this is not just about serving a man of God but serving and following in general. I am yet to meet a great man who didn’t follow or serve someone. David served Saul, Jacob served Lot, Paul served with the Apostles, and many others. Why, because service teaches you humility and structure. Jesus said that for us to lead we must first be slaves of all. That means we must follow.

In this day and age, we are quick to walk away at the slightest provocation and so we come out undercooked. I also know that most leaders abuse this opportunity but we must do what we ought regardless. I pray the Lord helps you to serve and stay put where you are supposed to be, so you don’t miss your reward. in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Shalom.