Expect Great Things – Attempt Great Things for God
You do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures. – James 4:2-3
2 Kings 2:9-15
When they came to the other side, 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 a whirlwind carried Elijah 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.
Elisha picked up Elijah’s cloak, which had fallen when he was taken up. Then, Elisha returned to the bank of the Jordan River. He struck the water with Elijah’s cloak and cried out, “Where is the LORD, the God of Elijah?” Then the river divided, and Elisha went across.
When the group of prophets from Jericho saw from a distance what happened, they exclaimed, “Elijah’s spirit rests upon Elisha!”
A Unruly Child: A Familiar Scene
Many of us have seen the familiar scene at a grocery store checkout: a tired mother trying to handle her energetic and stubborn two-year-old. The child, brimming with boundless energy and unfiltered impulses, runs around, grabbing items from shelves and loudly asking for treats or toys. When told no, the toddler’s frustration bursts into a full-blown tantrum, screaming, crying, and flailing in protest.
The mother, clearly overwhelmed, manages the chaos with a mix of damage control and efforts to restore order, all while enduring the judgmental looks or sympathetic glances of others. Despite her best efforts, the situation seems to slip further out of her control, leading to a tense and exhausting moment for everyone involved.
A Spiritual Parallel: Acting Like Spoiled Children
As children of the King, we often display similar behavior in our spiritual lives, acting like self-centered spiritual children driven by selfish desires and a craving for instant gratification.
James 4:3: “And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong, you want only what will give you pleasure.”
We pray and ask, yet we do not receive because our motives are misaligned with God’s will. Too often, our prayers are rooted in self-interest, shaped by a desire for fleeting pleasures and immediate rewards. We crave more, more possessions, more comfort, more of what satisfies us in the moment.
However, our Heavenly Father, in His infinite wisdom, looks beyond our limited perspective. He hears our prayers and discerns the intentions behind them, understanding what we genuinely need rather than what we merely want.
Prayer 1.0: Self-Centered and Short-Sighted
This type of prayer, often called “Prayer 1.0,” mainly focuses on satisfying self-centered desires. The Greek word hedone, meaning “passions” or “pleasures,” or “the pursuit of gratification, enjoyment, and physical pleasure.” In the New Testament, hedone is often used metaphorically to describe “uncontrolled desires, unchecked appetites, and lustful cravings.” From this root, we get the English word “hedonist,” which embodies “a philosophy focused on the continuous pursuit of pleasure as the ultimate objective in life.”
Prayer 2.0: God-Centered and Purposeful
In stark contrast, “Prayer 2.0” shifts the focus entirely to God. This higher form of prayer is God-centered, aiming to honor the Father and align with His divine purposes. It reflects a heart that prioritizes pleasing God over satisfying personal desires.
Instead of being motivated by fleeting pleasures or selfish motives, this type of prayer is rooted in humility, reverence, and a sincere desire to participate in God’s kingdom work. It is purposeful, intentional, and aligned with the will of the Creator, demonstrating a maturity that goes beyond the self-focused nature of “Prayer 1.0.”
1 John 5:14-15: “And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for.”
The Apostle John reminds us that when we align our prayers with God’s will, we can approach Him with unwavering confidence, knowing that He hears our pleas and will answer them in His perfect timing. This essential shift in focus, from our own desires to the broader scope of God’s purpose, transforms our prayers into dynamic and powerful declarations of faith. It fosters a deep-seated trust in His divine plan, allowing us to embrace the belief that our conversations with God are not just ritualistic but are imbued with the potential to effect change in our lives and the world around us.
REFLECT & PRAY
Too often, we remain like spiritual two-year-olds, consumed by self-interest and immediate gratification. It’s time to grow up and embrace a God-centric perspective, seeking His kingdom above all else.
Father, as I examine my heart, I see the depth of my self-centeredness. Help me to shift my focus to You, to seek Your will, and to align my desires with Your kingdom purposes.
INSIGHT
Do Not Fear to Ask for Great Things
When aligning your life with God’s divine purpose, don’t hold back, dare to dream big, and ask boldly for the extraordinary blessings only He can provide. The Father’s power knows no limits, surpassing anything we could imagine or even dare to ask for. His ability to bless extends far beyond our greatest hopes, opening doors to new opportunities and equipping us with skills we never thought possible.
William Carey, known as the “Father of Modern Missions,” prayed and believed for the impossible: bringing the gospel to India despite overwhelming obstacles. His famous motto, “Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God,” became a rallying cry for children of the King worldwide. Carey’s prayers set high goals and witnessed God’s incredible power in action. They laid the groundwork for global missions.
Pause and reflect; allow this to inspire you to aim higher, trust more deeply, and believe in the boundless nature of His love and provision. When you seek Him with bold faith, you’ll find that He is ready to do more than you can envision. So, aim for the stars in your prayers and desires, knowing that the One who created the heavens is more than capable of bringing extraordinary possibilities into your life.
We are to be bold and boldly approach the Father, Hebrews 4:16: “So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God.”
Paul exclaimed in Ephesians 3:20: “Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.”
Elisha: A Prophet in Training
Elisha’s journey began as a PIT, Prophet-in-Training, under the guidance of Elijah. More than just a mentor, Elijah (Elijah 1.0) served as a spiritual father to Elisha, shaping his faith and preparing him for the prophetic calling.
2 Kings 2:12: “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.”
A Double Portion – Really?
Elisha’s bold request for a double portion of Elijah’s spirit might seem daring or even self-serving to modern readers. However, within the cultural context of ancient Israel, this request carried deep significance. Inheritance customs dictated that the oldest son received a double share, symbolizing both privilege and the duty to continue the family legacy.
Elisha’s plea was not based on arrogance or ambition but on a genuine desire to be fully prepared for the divine mission ahead. He wanted to serve as a strong and effective prophet, ready to face the challenges of his calling. This request showed his strong commitment to God’s work and his understanding of the heavy responsibility he was about to take on.
A Blessing Beyond Human Authority
Elisha’s request for a double portion was not something Elijah could grant on his own. Such a blessing was solely within the Father’s authority to bestow. Yet, Elisha’s God-centered ambition aligned with the Father’s will, and his prayer was answered. Spirit-empowered, Elisha continued the prophetic mission, building upon and expanding the work Elijah started.
This story reminds us of the Father’s willingness to equip those who sincerely seek to serve Him. Elisha’s boldness in asking for great things was met with divine provision, showing that God’s power and purpose far exceed human limits.
The Generosity of the Father
The Father’s generosity is reflected in Jesus’ words, which emphasize His willingness to give abundantly. Luke 11:13: “So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him.”
Elijah’s Fiery Departure and Elisha’s New Role
Elijah’s dramatic departure to heaven in a fiery chariot marked a pivotal moment. This extraordinary event not only symbolized Elijah’s special relationship with God but also confirmed Elisha’s new role as his successor. Elisha’s important request for a double portion was granted, and he embraced his calling with divine strength, becoming, in a sense, “Elijah 2.0.”
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© Dr. H 2026
Dr H Reflections 