“So Elisha turned back from him, and took a yoke of oxen and slaughtered them and boiled their flesh, using the oxen’s equipment, and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he arose and followed Elijah, and became his servant” (1 Kings 19:21).
The Bible tells us that Elisha served Elijah for 20 or 30 years. That takes dedication, that takes desire and that takes patience. You cannot serve someone for nearly thirty years and not pick up something.
Elisha followed Elijah everywhere he went. He watched his every move and he learned from him. It’s interesting that Elisha did not try to receive an anointing from God by overpowering Elijah or by trying to eliminate him and move him out of the way. Instead, Elisha continually learned from his mentor.
In God’s timing, when everything was in its season, God removed Elijah from this earth and because of Elisha’s diligence and patience, he received the prophet Elijah’s mantle. The book of Second Kings reports that Elisha was involved in exactly double the number of miracles of Elijah. We might say he received a double anointing.
Recently I read a book by a great man of God. He has an international ministry, many employees, books, tapes, and an international television presence. It’s interesting to note that this great minister did not start out that way. In fact, he spent many years serving another great man of God. He did this in humility and he was not seeking his own agenda. In due season, God raised him up.
Most young ministers recognize this principle in the Word and they’ve heard many sermons on receiving a prophet’s anointing through being a servant first. However, being a servant means you must have the master’s plan in your heart and not be seeking to raise up your own ministry.
So today, I have this to say to all the young men and women of God seeking a place in the ministry. Find an anointed ministry and submit. In due season when God feels you are ready, He will raise you up. “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up” (James 4:10).
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Dr. Larry Ollison is founder and Senior Pastor of Walk on the Water Faith Church and founder of Larry Ollison Ministries. With over forty years in the ministry, he is a very popular speaker nationally and internationally and ministers the Word of Faith through radio, television, Internet, and daily e-mail devotionals. As the author of twelve books (including The Power of Grace, The Practical Handbook for Christian Living, Breaking the Cycle of Offense, Life is in the Blood, and recently released The Paradise of God), he is in frequent demand for radio/TV interviews, book signings, and magazine publications.
Dr. Ollison was raised a Southern Baptist. While majoring in theology at Southwest Baptist University, he received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. For many years he traveled extensively speaking at Full Gospel Business Men's meetings and conventions. He later earned an M.A. in Theology and a Ph.D. and Th.D. from Life Christian University.
Currently President of International Convention of Faith Ministries (ICFM), Dr. Ollison is also Vice-President of Spirit FM Christian Radio Network, Missouri State Director of Christians United for Israel (CUFI), and a Trustee on the boards of several international ministries. He is also the host of The Cutting Edge Radio Broadcast and authors The Cutting Edge Daily Devotional.
As the owner of a marine dealership, his extensive business background brings a unique flavor to his teaching. He founded and served as chairman of the Missouri State Marine Board, President of the Marine Dealers’ Association, Vice-President of a bank holding company, along with holding several directorships in various corporations.
Dr. Ollison's strongest areas of teaching are the blood of Jesus, faith, relationships, the Hebrew language, the Holy Spirit, the end times, and heaven. During ministry, he operates freely in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. His use of humor and his ability to make a theological concept simple makes it enjoyable and easy for everyone to understand. Countless testimonies have been received from people who say their lives have been changed after experiencing Dr. Ollison's unique ministry.
Dr. Ollison is a pastor, pilot, teacher, and author. His number one goal is to meet the needs of the people through the teaching of faith in God's Word. He and his wife, Loretta, have two children and six grandchildren.