Men of BoldnessSample

You Never Know Unless You Ask

“You never know unless you ask.”

This was the advice my brother once gave me when I was having trouble sorting out an issue on my own.

While this is fundamentally true, sometimes the thing we wonder about—the bubbling desire that brings that small one-sided smile to our lips and makes our eyes look toward the ceiling—seems so outrageous that even asking about it sends our nervous system into overdrive.

Men, what’s the biggest thing you have ever asked for from someone?

What’s the biggest thing you have ever asked God for?

Now, the important follow-up question: Why were you asking for it?

Just before Elijah was taken up into heaven (he was one of the very few people who didn’t actually die—2 Kings 2:11-12), he opened the door for Elisha to ask for anything.

Elisha was Elijah’s replacement. He had been working in an apprentice-style relationship with Elijah for some time, learning from the fiery prophet what it meant to serve God, boldly confront the idolatrous leaders of Israel, and foster devotion to God among the people.

(There is something in that for us, too, men. Having a seasoned mentor show us the ropes of living by faith is an invaluable asset. But this devotional is not about that.)

When the door opened for Elisha’s request, he swung big. Elisha asked for a double portion of Elijah’s spirit. Twice the fire.

Elisha knew what it would take to fill his mentor’s shoes, so he asked for the ability to do what he had been called to do. Elisha looked at the task before him, knew he was not equal to it on his own, and asked for the right tools to finish the job.

In the end, he was indeed given what he asked for.

Perhaps you are facing a task that you feel unequal to. Maybe the scope of responsibility in front of you seems too big to fit within your vision.

It is time to ask God for the tools you need to accomplish what is at hand. But be careful; when we ask, we must ask not for our own glory but for God’s.

Like Solomon, who asked for the wisdom to lead God’s people (1 Kings 3:1-15), Elisha boldly asked for the spirit to be the prophet Israel needed. We, too, can ask for the necessary equipping to be the bold men God has called us to be.

Prayer: God who gives good gifts, sometimes life feels too big for me to handle. Please give me the gifts and fruits by Your Spirit that I need to accomplish what You have called me to accomplish. Amen.

Reflection: Where do you feel overwhelmed or underqualified? Ask God for what you need to accomplish His goals.