#soap # 2 Kings 02 ## Title: Faithfulness Brings Double Blessings ## Scripture: (2 Kings 2:9-10) When they had crossed over, Elijah said to Elisha, “What can I do for you, before I am taken away from you?” Elisha answered, “May I receive a double portion of the prophetic spirit that energizes you?” Elijah replied, “That’s a difficult request! If you see me taken from you, may it be so, but if you don’t, it will not happen.” (NET) ## Observation: Elisha had followed Elijah so far and nothing had stopped him. He had just a little further to go. Elijah said that if he would stay faithful and follow until the end, he would receive what he requested. What have you asked God for? There are several components that go into our prayers being answered. Is it God’s will? Is it God’s timing? Will God do what you have asked but in a different way? We have to realize that God is not a cosmic Coke machine. We don’t put in our money and out comes our blessing. He has already written the past, present, and future. Our future is in His hands. Prayers are not primarily to get things. Prayer is fellowship. We ask God for things because He told us to, and it may be our prayers that He uses as the “means” of His grace. However, one thing is always required… faithfulness. Be faithful and trust the Lord. ## Application: Don’t give up. Trust the Lord to do what He’s going to do and it will always be better than you can imagine. He always works things out. ## Prayer: Thank You, Jesus, for being completely trustworthy.