Observation: Throughout this section, people come to Elisha to express their need. The three kings from Edom, Israel, and Judah are wondering without provision and thus go to Elisha for clarity of their mission. The poor widow brings her money problem to Elisha. The Shunammite woman goes to Elisha herself to tell him of her son's death.
Elisha is capable of engaging with the Lord through the Holy Spirit and understanding any situation. He does so when asked, repeatedly. He tells people to take actions, knowing how the Lord will intervene into their situation when they demonstrate faith. However ... he always waits to be asked. He did not go find the poor woman to help her avoid slavery for her children. He did not walk out to the armies to aid the king of Judah. He did not go to the Shunammite's house to heal or restore the son. He waited, gave instructions, then allowed faith to act.
Application: This is the model for prayer, and one I would do better to understand. Yes, the Lord can do absolutely anything. However, he often waits to be asked. This is not because he desires our begging attitude. Rather, he desires our faith and worship. He wants to respond to our faith, not just do for us, and in this way help us to truly see and acknowledge his great hand in our lives.
I am slow to pray for what I need. When I do, and have difficulty listening for instructions I should follow next. True, I don't often (ever?) have a prophet standing there spelling it out for me. But this process needs to start with me, bringing my challenges to the Lord, setting them at his feet, and then waiting for instructions about what to do next.
Prayer: Lord, I do set before you the challenges of my life, which is understanding my purpose. I am 56, with my life two-thirds done, and have no idea what I am supposed to be doing. May I await your answer and instructions. Amen.
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