That’s one of the influences of our culture. The world supports those who are driven by financial and political success, but it hardly encourages those who are serious about faith. It even uses disparaging terms like “radical” or “fanatical” or “extremist” for people who are devoted beyond expectations. The world loves social conformity.
“As surely as The LORD lives and as you live, I will not leave you.” (2 Kings 2:6)
Elisha was not a socially acceptable follower of God. He followed a radical prophet who had successfully challenged the idolatry of the age, and he insisted on following Elijah from city to city until the day the elder prophet was taken up to heaven. In other words, Elisha was a spiritual pest. And God honored him for it.
God always honors spiritual pests, people who are not content with a casual relationship with Him. Jesus responded to the blind man who would not quit yelling for Him, and He praised the woman who would not take no for an answer. He illustrated prayer with parables about a man banging on a neighbor’s door and a woman pestering an unrighteous judge. He blessed those who hunger and thirst for righteousness.
What is our level of spiritual persistence? Are we content with how clearly we see God? With the fruit He is bearing in our lives? With the warmth and intimacy with which we relate to Him each day? God’s Word affirms that He is pleased with those who press into Him and keep pressing in. It encourages people to keep on asking, keep on seeking, and keep on knocking. We will find God’s presence to the degree that we seek His presence. And no one who seeks ever gets to the point of saying, “Okay, that’s enough. That’s all of Him I need.” Don’t Let Yourself Rest at that point. God will always honor your hungry persistence for Him. Always.
Have a satisfying weekend. Make it better by worshiping The LORD with those who find the most fulfillment being completely spent on making much about Him.
All For Jesus – Nothing More, Nothing Less, Nothing Else.
Vic Alvarado 