IN SEASONS OF LOSS Loss makes us . (2 Kings 2:1-2 NLT) When the Lord was about to take Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal. Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here; the Lord has sent me to Bethel.” But Elisha said, “As surely as the Lord lives and as you live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel. (Acts 1:3 NLT) After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. Loss causes us to . (2 Kings 2:8-9 NLT) Elijah took his cloak, rolled it up and struck the water with it. The water divided to the right and to the left, and the two of them crossed over on dry ground. When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you?” “Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,” Elisha replied. (Acts 1:6 NLT) So when the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking him, “Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?” Loss forces us to . (2 Kings 2:10 NLT) “You have asked a difficult thing,” Elijah said, “yet if you see me when I am taken from you, it will be yours—otherwise, it will not.” (Acts 1:7 NLT) He replied, “The Father alone has the authority to set those ates and times, and they are not for you to know. Loss can get us . (2 Kings 2:11-12 NLT) As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind. Elisha saw this and cried out, “My father! My father! The chariots and horsemen of Israel!” And Elisha saw him no more. Then he took hold of his garment and tore it in two. (Acts 1:9-10 NIV) … he (Jesus) was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going… Ending the Season of Loss 1. to a new . (2 Kings 2:13-14 NLT) Elisha picked up Elijah’s cloak, which had fallen when he was taken up. Then Elisha returned to the bank of the Jordan River. He struck the water with Elijah’s cloak and cried out, “Where is the Lord, the God of Elijah?” Then the river divided, and Elisha went across. (Acts 1:8 NLT) And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. 2. strength in the . (2 Kings 2:15 NLT) When the group of prophets from Jericho saw from a distance what happened, they exclaimed, “Elijah’s spirit rests upon Elisha!” And they went to meet him… (Luke 24:52 NLT) So they worshiped him and then returned to Jerusalem filled with great joy. 3. your and His . (Luke 24:49 NLT) “And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.” 4. connected to God’s . (Luke 24:53 NLT) And they spent all of their time in the Temple, praising God. (Isaiah 40:31 NASB) those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary. (John 15:5 ESV) I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. What am I hearing from God?