I'm After the Oil

The Pursuit of More: A Journey of Consecration and Spiritual Growth
In our walk with God, there comes a time when we realize that what we have isn't enough anymore. We find ourselves yearning for a deeper connection, a more profound relationship with the Divine. This hunger for "more" isn't about material blessings or superficial gains; it's about a genuine desire for intimacy with God.
Imagine walking with God in the cool of the day, like Adam in the Garden of Eden. Picture being called God's friend, like Abraham, or speaking face-to-face with the Almighty on a mountaintop, like Moses. These examples of deep, personal relationships with God aren't just stories from the past – they're invitations for us today.
But how do we move from where we are to where we want to be spiritually? The answer lies in passionate pursuit and committed consecration.
Consecration isn't a casual decision; it's a relentless pursuit. It requires us to move beyond casual interest in spiritual matters to a place of committed pursuit. This pursuit often demands that we let go of things that hold us back. The question we must ask ourselves is: What are we willing to walk away from to walk closer to God?
There's a powerful story of a young woman who was just two semesters away from becoming a doctor when God called her to be a missionary. Despite being over $100,000 in debt, she chose to follow God's call. It seemed illogical, even impossible, but her obedience led to miraculous provision – all her debts were paid, and she received blessings beyond what she could have imagined as a doctor.
This story teaches us an important lesson: when we're willing to walk away from what's keeping us from God, He is willing to give us what we truly need.
However, this pursuit of more isn't just about what we give up; it's also about how we live. The Bible gives us an example in Elisha, who was called while he was working in the fields. This reminds us that God often calls those who are already faithfully working where they are. It's not God's will for us to sit idle, waiting for a calling. We must be diligent in our current responsibilities, and it's in our faithfulness that God often reveals our next step.
Humility is another crucial aspect of this spiritual pursuit. Elisha, before becoming a great prophet, was known simply as the one who poured water on Elijah's hands. He embraced a role of humble service. This teaches us that the anointing doesn't fall on the proud, but on the prepared. We can't be after the oil if we're not willing to hold the towel.
In our pursuit of more of God, we must also have the audacity to ask. When Elijah asked Elisha what he wanted, Elisha boldly requested a double portion of Elijah's spirit. This teaches us to pray audacious prayers. What would you ask for if you knew God was ready to answer? God is often waiting, miracle in hand, for us to voice our deepest spiritual desires.
However, receiving from God often comes with conditions. For Elisha, the condition was being present when Elijah was taken up. This highlights the importance of being fully present in our spiritual lives. In a world full of distractions, are we truly present when God's power moves? Are we spectators or active participants in what God is doing?
The story of Elijah and Elisha also warns us about the danger of distant obedience. While many prophets knew Elijah would be taken up, only Elisha was willing to pursue and be present for the moment. This challenges us to move beyond mere awareness of what God is doing to active engagement and pursuit.
As we pursue more of God, we must be ready for holy separation. In the story, a chariot of fire separated Elisha from Elijah, signifying that Elijah was going somewhere Elisha couldn't follow yet. This separation was also a reference point for Elisha's new beginning. Earlier, Elisha had burned his oxen and plow, symbolizing his commitment to his new calling. Now, the fiery chariot marked the beginning of his own ministry.
This teaches us a profound truth: our next blessing, our new season, is often tied to the sacrifices we make during our time of consecration. Whatever we're willing to sacrifice, God has prepared something greater. Our healing, our breakthrough, our spiritual growth – all are connected to what we're willing to lay on the altar.
As we reflect on these truths, we're challenged to examine our own spiritual lives. Are we satisfied with where we are, or are we hungry for more? Are we willing to pursue God with passion and commitment? Can we embrace humility and service? Do we have the boldness to ask God for great things? Are we fully present in our spiritual journey, or are we distracted spectators?
God is inviting us to a deeper relationship, a more profound experience of His presence. He's calling us to "go up" – to ascend to new spiritual heights. This journey of consecration and pursuit isn't always easy, but it promises rich rewards. As we set our hearts on seeking more of God, we can trust that He will meet us, transform us, and take us to places in the spirit we've never been before.
Let's embrace this challenge. Let's pursue God with all our hearts. Let's be willing to sacrifice, to serve, to ask, and to be present. As we do, we'll find that God is faithful to meet us, to fill us, and to use us in ways we never imagined possible.
It's time to go higher. It's time to pursue more. Are you ready for the journey?