Ballsy People

Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me what I can do for you before I am taken away.” And Elisha replied, “Please let me inherit a double share of your spirit and become your successor.” “You have asked a difficult thing,” Elijah replied. “If you see me when I am taken from you, then you will get your request. But if not, then you won’t.” As they were walking along and talking, suddenly a chariot of fire appeared, drawn by horses of fire. It drove between the two men, separating them, and Elijah was carried by a whirlwind into heaven. Elisha saw it and cried out, “My father! My father! I see the chariots and charioteers of Israel!” And as they disappeared from sight, Elisha tore his clothes in distress. (2 Kings 2:9-12)

Have you the faith to ask the difficult things? Some might see Elisha's request as 'ballsy' - maybe even a little 'prideful' since he asked for a 'double portion' of the faith and power Elijah had exhibited while he was alive. Sometimes 'ballsy' individuals put others off - their simple faith and trust in God making them a little uncomfortable. That's okay because 'ballsy' people aren't afraid to ask God for what is needed, when it is needed, for whom it is needed!

Later on, Elisha would stretch himself out on a dead boy and ask God to restore his life. He would petition with all his heart and trust God to do the rest. He would see the cruse of oil in the widow's house multiplied time and time again. He would see hungry people around him and tell the woman offering twenty loaves of bread and a sack of grain to feed all one hundred of them. She'd question the 'sanity' of that request, but there were leftovers to be enjoyed! Ballsy people ask for the impossible because they know God is the one who is able to do what we see as 'impossible' or 'improbable'.

Ballsy people ask not only for 'one share' of faith, but a 'double share'. They aren't afraid to ask God to make them instruments he can use and to give them his 'backing' as they go forth in service to him. As difficult as it may be to imagine God giving greater faith and trust in his power, ballsy people ask! Why? They know their God and they trust him to be there in them, working through them, meeting the needs of a people who need to come to know him, as well. Elisha wasn't intimidated by the impossible - he knew the God of the impossible and trusted him to be there whenever the need arose. How about us? Do we trust God enough to be 'ballsy' in our faith? If not, maybe it is time we ask God for that 'double portion' and see what he will do. Just sayin!