Today’s Message, “What are you Positioning Yourself For…”
II Kings 2:9-15
By definition. To Position is to put, place, locate, situate, set, site, stand, or station.
It is also to put or arrange someone or something in a particular place or way.
The story of Elijah and Elisha.
Elijah’s name means the Lord is my God.
Elijah was a prophet and a miracle worker who lived in the northern kingdom of Israel during the reign of king Ahab. Elijah was a man who heard God, he walked in obedience, prayer warrior, and he expected miracles, always.
The scripture text is during the time when the Lord would take Elijah into heaven by a world wind. Elijah was aware that God was soon to take him away. Elisha was a faithful servant, but nevertheless he needed to be worth of the mantle that Elijah carried. He needed to be tested. 3 times Elijah encouraged Elisha to remain while Elijah went on to do the work that needed to be done. And 3 times Elisha refused to leave Elijah’s side. Elisha said, “said as the Lord liveth and as thy soul liveth I will not leave thee.”
Then after the 3rd test Elijah asked Elisha what do you want before I’m taken away? Elisha asked for a double portion of the anointing. Elijah said if you see me taken up then you will receive it, if not then you won’t receive it. While they were talking there appears a chariot of fire, horses of fire and Elijah went up. And Elisha saw it.
Elisha positioned himself to receive the very thing we wanted.
There is an important lesson to learn from Elisha. We all need (and want) things from God. The question is, are you (or have you) positioned yourself to receive?
Elisha was obedient and faithful. On top of that he was honest with himself and with Elisha.
He did the following:
1. Elisha knew what he wanted. You need to know what you want too.
2. He asked for it. You need to be direct with what you too.
3. He waited on it. Wait on the Lord- don’t get discouraged, don’t give up.
4. He was tested by Elijah 3 times. Understand you will be tested too.
5. He was in position, Elisha was where he needed to be to receive what he wanted. Get in position. Some of us are in the wrong place. That’s why we haven’t received from the Lord.
6. He did not leave the sight of Elijah. Don’t you leave God’s side.
People are going to witness what God is doing for you. They will say I was there when she received her promotion, I was there when he received his blessing. God will bless you openly.
What are you positioning yourself for?
If you are unable to answer this question, examine yourself. What do you need from the Lord? Have you been obedient and faithful to God?
The first step in positioning your self to receive is repentance. Ask God to forgive you, then walk in obedience. From here, know what you want or need from God. Then put yourself in the place to receive.
The choice is up to you. Just as Elisha had the option to leave Elijah several times, but chose rather to stay and serve. We have the same choice.
What are you positioning yourself for?