Have you ever asked God for a double portion?
“And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me.” 2 Kings 2:9
Double Portion Request from My Private Journal
I was reminded of my request and on March 23, 2012 I had written the following in my personal journal:
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In 1998 my life took a drastic turn…I heard a woman talk about her relationship with a living God. Although, I believed I was a “Christian” I was far from being Christ like as I had not received Christ as my one and only blood substitute for my sins.
It is so important that every opportunity you have, you give your testimony of salvation to a lost and dying world. For me God used, the Testimony of Darlene Rose. I have never met this woman in this life yet I think of her often. How God prepared her to suffer and to give her testimony that others may hear…
My heart was challenged, my life was changed and in my joy I remember asking the Lord, for a double portion of her spirit to fall on me (2 Kings 2:9)…Wow, I must admit I am in no way able to handle anything she went through for my Lord…at least not in my strength.
Sometimes we ask things amiss or even in shear emotion…my thoughts on this bring my heart to a humble state of real humiliation, to think how emotions can make us say what we do not understand…like the sons of thunder (Matt 3:17) asking Jesus to sit on the right hand and on the left hand of our Lord (Mark 10:35).
Currently I am reading ¨Evidence Not Seen¨ the book that Darlene Rose wrote. I can relate more to her now that we are on the mission field. My heart continues to be humbled as my Lord challenges me to trust Him step-by-step. Mrs. Rose speaks of suffering with Jesus as a gift, “For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;” -Phil 1:29
I just had never considered suffering as a privilege a gift that when given must also be received…
Now, years later, knowing what I know and not dealing in youthful presumption, would I ask my Lord for a double portion of her spirit to fall on me?
The answer is YES but only by HIS GRACE…
“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” -Heb 12:1,2
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God’s Answer
Can you be so in in love with Jesus to be willing to ask a double portion of his Spirit he has so graciously granted those who have gone before you?
I have wondered lately if my request will not be answered in my willingness to pour out my life in another young woman that I see incredible potential in Christ. I am always amazed at how God’s blessings keep on flowing. How our Lord adds to your account when you are willing to invest in the lives of others by faith.
“Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.” Philippians 4:17
I am very willing to serve others to see my desire come reality in them. To see a fervor in the Lord and a precious relationship like Darlene Rose had with her Lord in a young woman of faith. I know my desire to pour my life in another will not go unrewarded and therefore I am willing to allow the precious oil of my Lord in my life to be poured in the life of another.
Truly a double portion as I see how much further God is taking this young lady. It makes me the more rejoice for asking my Lord not to mention being a witness of how my Lord will accomplish His will from my desire. A desire that is truly His for our Lord wants, no rather delights that we ask Him something impossible for His glory.
“And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.” Luke 18:27
“Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” John 15:6
Rejoicing in Him
This past August 19 I rejoice to celebrate 17 years in Christ. I am amazed at God’s signature in the events of my life to have met a young woman of faith who has now completed her first year with the Lord on that same day. I marvel at how much this young woman desires to serve the Lord reminds me of Darlene Rose and other women of faith who have gone before her.
I have discovered from my husband that the key to discipleship is finding those who are humble to learn what God has for them. Truly it takes humility to receive truth from an imperfect individual. I have also come to know that there are very few who have a passionate desire for Jesus. Are they perfect? No. But they are humbly passionate to learn and allow Christ to grow in them by the power of God’s spirit.
“Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.” Zechariah 4:6
It truly is not the works of the flesh to drum up the desire but rather a step-by-step growing of God’s spirit by HIS power. I am blessed to have a small part in this young lady’s life. God is investing much in her life by bringing others to shape and prepare her for His glorifying purposes. And as she remains humble before our Lord, she will rejoice in all He plans for her.
What is Your Desire?
Do you count it a privilege to invest all God has given you in the life of others?
Or perhaps you desire to learn, to grow, to be in a position of giving your all for Jesus Christ. I encourage you to humble yourself. Seek the Lord and allow Him to minister in your life through His word and His church. God who is all powerful and perfect still uses imperfect men and women to accomplish His blessed will.
To include granting the privilege of having a part in a double portion of our Lord’s spirit as you are poured out for the glory of God.
“Look thou upon me, and be merciful unto me, as thou usest to do unto those that love thy name.” Psalm 119:132
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