The Phaneroo Devotion: The Measure Of A Submitted Heart – 2
Apostle Grace Lubega
2 Kings 2:2 (KJV): “And Elijah said unto Elisha, Tarry here, I pray thee; for the Lord hath sent me to Bethel. And Elisha said unto him, As the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. So they went down to Bethel.”
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God tests our submission to spiritual authority in many ways. One of the most challenging tests comes through denial and apparent rejection.
When a believer encounters such moments, the natural human response is often offense. Many walk away, concluding that they have been mistreated. Yet, these moments are often tests of the heart.
Consider Elisha. He was denied by Elijah three times. The first time was at Gilgal as reflected in our theme scripture. The second time was at Bethel in verse 4 and the third time was at Jericho in verse 6. This was a test. Each time, Elisha’s response was the same. “As the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee.”
Had Elisha taken offence at Elijah’s insistence that he stay behind, his destiny would have been affected.
At times, a spiritual authority may respond in ways that feel harsh and distant. There may be moments when correction feels severe, access is restricted, or you are asked to step aside. How you respond in such moments reveals the true measure of your submission.
Scripture offers this wisdom in Ecclesiastes 10:4 (KJV): “If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for yielding pacifieth great offences.”
Rejection and denial are often tools God uses to refine obedience, humility, and perseverance. A submitted heart remains yielded, discerning that God is at work even in uncomfortable moments.
FURTHER STUDY: Hebrews 12:11, James 1:2-4
GOLDEN NUGGET: At times, a spiritual authority may respond in ways that feel harsh and distant. There may be moments when correction feels severe, access is restricted, or you are asked to step aside. How you respond in such moments reveals the true measure of your submission.
PRAYER: Loving Father, thank You for this word. I recognize the tests of submission, especially when they come through rejection, silence, or denial. I have the wisdom and grace not to take offence. I have the grace to endure, wisdom to discern Your hand at work, and humility to stay aligned with Your purposes. May my heart be fully submitted to You and to the authorities You have placed in my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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