Upheld Even In Upside Down

Every Way But Up

Do you ever find yourself at the center of a whirlwind? Perhaps you absolutely KNOW that God has called you to go a certain way or do a certain thing, and when you start down that path—BAM—a whirlwind hits. You forget which way you are going. Whirlwinds do that. They turn you every which way but up.

Through the Whirlwind

Long ago, God took the prophet Elijah to heaven in a fiery chariot racing in a whirlwind. That would be weird to see.

And his apprentice prophet, Elisha, was right there beside him and did see it. I always wondered if Elisha was afraid or excited. But he would not leave Elijah’s side for anything because he might miss the moment.

Scripture says it was sudden.

Elisha wanted Elijah’s prophet mantle. He wanted to hear God in greater ways even than his mentor. Maybe he ran forward as Elijah and the chariot disappeared into the sky with his arms stretching upward as he saw his desires rushing away.

Living the Vision

“I can’t do this!” He might have cried, in the shock of the moment.

But then, when all had settled back into a normal earthly rhythm, he tore his own clothes into pieces and grasped the mantle of Elijah that fell to the ground as he left earth. Elisha had his eyes on what God was doing.

Elisha continued to keep his eyes on what God had promised and didn’t let go, even though a whirlwind had turned his life upside down. Instead, he reached.

And God answered his prayers. He did twice as much prophet living than his mentor.

Reaching for God

Now we follow the example set before us by our mentor, Elisha, as he ran after the fiery chariot.

Let eagerness drive us to reach up for all God has for us.

Let us keep our eyes open and intent, even though whirlwinds come to distract us.

Let us listen for His loving voice and direction.

Let our determination set us in the path He has given us. Keeping our focus straight up.

Our God is faithful.

Now reach.

“And so it was, when they had crossed over [the Jordan River] that Elijah said to Elisha, ‘Ask! What may I do for you before I am taken away from you?’ Elisha said, ‘Please let a double portion of your spirit be upon me.’” (2 Kings 2:9 NKJV).