“And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.” (2 Kings 2:11 KJV)
Distractions… They can so easily divide your heart from your mind. They can divide instinct from the action that you would have liked to do. In fact, the sign of good training is that you know something so well and so richly that when the moment comes, it is instinctual for you to react correctly. Elijah gave Elisha a special challenge that required attention to detail. Not just any detail. Not just the detail that Elisha wanted to see or thought was super spectacular, but something specific he had to look for. Sure, dramatic and impressive events are well worth seeing. Yet, what are we supposed to keep our eyes on? Who are we to keep our eyes on? Why do you think that is so?
Opportunities to do great things come along. Our chance to make a big splash in a larger pool may be here. A chance to right a wrong or even a score has finally come. Yet, why is concentrating on what God is doing of such critical importance? He is the foundation on which all stable things are built. He is the vine on which all nourishment is delivered through. He is the beginning and the end in an otherwise eternal spectrum. He brings definition and meaning to a world that is otherwise decomposing quickly. He tells us to “Be still, and know that I am God…” (Psalm 46:10a KJV) not because we are to miss out on the present opportunity, but to first focus on Him. Then when He sends us out we know what part of each of those tasks really needs to be done and we have a heart for doing them. He provides more than perspective. He provides real insight.
Even on the occasions when we feel tasked without insight, we have clear instruction. Sometimes it is following the instruction that provides the insight which completely realizes the opportunity.
“Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.” (Matthew 5:24 KJV)