“The men of the city said,.. ‘The situation of this city is pleasant,.. but the water is bad, and the land is unfruitful….’ Then [Elisha] went to the spring and threw salt in it and said, ‘Thus says the Lord, I have healed this water.'”
“The [Shunamite] woman [who’d built him a room] conceived, and bore a son the following spring, as Elisha had said to her.
“When the child had grown,.. he died. She went up and laid him on the bed of the man of God and went out…
“When she came to the mountain to the man of God,.. [Elisha] said, ‘She is in bitter distress, and the Lord has hidden it from me and has not told me…’ So he arose and followed her…
“When Elisha came into the house, he saw the child lying dead on his bed. So he went in… and prayed to the Lord… And the child sneezed.., and opened his eyes.” 2 Kings 2:19,21; 4:17-18,20-21,27,30,32-33,35
In the days following Elijah’s departure, his successor Elisha exhibited the spirit he’d requested. He continued God’s prophetic ministry with sensitivity and care, directing king to military success, widow to sustenance, citizens to fresh water, and barren woman to her heart’s desire. Never haughty or aloof as God’s chosen, Elisha served his Master earnestly one step and place at a time. Eager to follow the Lord’s bidding, he also willingly acknowledged when he lacked and asked the Lord to supply. (2 Kings 2:9,15; 3:13-19)
The Lord desires earnest obedience that willingly goes where He directs, does what He asks, and trusts Him for equipping. Humble plodding keeps us keen to His leading and develops skills He imbues. Where arrogance and self-confidence might lead us to prefer certain positions or tasks, submission leads us to fulfill His design and intentions. Be it with royalty or paupers, God watches over His will to perform it. (2 Kings 4:38-44; Jeremiah 1:12)
God’s people can be known for a number of accomplishments done well, yet tend to prefer concealing what we cannot do. Willingness to admit weaknesses and needs is a powerful attribute that actually enhances effectiveness as His servants. If we understand that every ability is a gift to be used for His purposes, our attitude toward their procurement and use changes from pride to dependence. (1 Corinthians 4:7; James 1:17)
Where has the Lord called me to serve? Am I eager or reluctant to obey? If I’m slow to respond, what selfishness, prejudice, sense of superiority or pride dictates my attitude? What tendencies toward comfort or preference need I confess in order to serve eagerly wherever and however God asks?
How willing am I to do the next small thing, even when it is not convenient, simple, or easy? Do I give up, or look up for His promised provision? Serving God with wholeheartedness accomplishes His work and honors His sovereignty. Trusting Him and engaging His supply develops faith and magnifies His grace and power. (Matthew 7:7-8; 1 Thessalonians 5:24)
How has the Lord undertaken for me with difficult situations, or people? Where do I need particular discernment or empowering? The Lord designs every assignment to do His work both in us and His wider plan.
Lord, may I eagerly, earnestly, and willingly minister in Your kingdom to serve Your purposes and glory. 
