2 Kings 2:10(KJV)
And he said, Thou hast asked a hard thing: nevertheless, if thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee; but if not, it shall not be so.
From the moment Elijah departed from Gilgal to when Elisha received the blessing, numerous trials attempted to hinder Elisha’s path. Nevertheless, Elisha remained steadfast in his pursuit of the double portion. It’s crucial to recognize that unwavering focus shapes our future while distractions impede our path to empowerment. When Elijah was about to leave the earth, he asked Elisha what he could do for him. In verse 9 of our anchored Scripture, Elisha requested a double portion of Elijah’s spirit. Elijah told Elisha that his request would be granted if he saw him being taken. Essentially, Elijah was saying that if Elisha remained focused, he would witness his departure. However, as Elisha accompanied Elijah, he faced three significant distractions that could have caused him to miss out on the double portion of the anointing. Elijah tried three times to get Elisha to stay behind, but Elisha was determined to stay with Elijah and receive the blessing, even when faced with the barrier of the Jordan River. Despite these challenges, he overcame them and succeeded Elijah.
In order to realize our true potential in life, wholehearted devotion is essential, necessitating a focused mindset driven by passion. Every aspect of life requires a certain degree of determination if we want to be successful because greatness is never achieved aimlessly or carelessly. It’s not attained by half-hearted commitment sprinkled with excuses. Even amid confusion, chaos, and crisis, we remain focused because it is easy to get sidetracked and not focus on what benefits us. Many challenges we face in life are simply distractions from the enemy that keep us from pursuing our destiny. Many people have lost a glorious destiny because they have succumbed to the devil’s distractions. We cannot allow the little things to take our focus in life. In Scripture, just before David fought the giant Goliath, his brother Eliab tried to confront him. But David knew arguing with Eliab wasn’t worth his time and strength. He knew his real battle was with Goliath, and he didn’t want to be distracted. He “turned away” from EIiab and focused on what was ahead of him. 1 Corinthians 7:35, “And this I speak for your own profit; not that I may cast a snare upon you, but for that which is comely, and that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction.”
Beloved, beware of distractions. It is your greatest enemy on your journey to empowerment. Have unbroken focus because the secret of success is concentration, and the cause of failure is broken focus. That is, success in any area of life requires devotion, but everything begins and ends with wholehearted devotion to the One who created you. Let it be said of you that “you walked in wholehearted devotion to Jesus,” and it changed every aspect of your life for His glory. Instead of being led away by distractions and frustrations, focus on the big picture. Know when to turn away and focus on receiving the mark of honor the Lord has for you! Your empowerment in God’s Kingdom demands your total focus and dedication. Give the devil no chance. Grace to maintain focus be released upon you in Jesus’ Name. Stay focused and live a life of undivided devotion to God. Examine your life and disconnect from every form of distraction. If you are determined to pursue God until you receive the double portion, you will encounter opposition from those around you. Nevertheless, stand firm and stay focused on your path with God! Remember, obstacles will test your resolve, but if God has put a determination within your heart to go with Him, then let nothing keep you from following His path.
O Lord, deliver me from every distraction of life. I receive fresh grace so as not to lose focus on You, Your Word, and in life in Jesus’ Name.