"He said, 'You have asked a hard thing, Nevertheless...................................."

Elijah decided that it was time for him to leave Gilgal and go to Bethel. He informed his protégé Elisha of his decision and told him to remain in Gilgal. Elisha insisted that he be allowed to go also and Elijah consented. As they journeyed, they came to the Jordan River where Elijah took his mantle, rolled it up and struck the water. The river divided and the two of them crossed over on dry ground.

After they crossed over, Elijah told Elisha to request anything he wanted. Elisha was amazed by what had happened so he asked for a double portion of Elijah's spirit. Elijah responded to his protégé "you have asked a hard thing." Elijah was not telling Elisha that it would be hard to give it to him. Instead, he was warning Elisha that what he had requested would be hard for him to handle.

Elisha did not know what he had asked for. Nevertheless, since he had asked, Elijah gave it to him. God is not offended that we ask for big things. He's insulted when we are not willing to do what is necessary to handle it once he gives it to us. Magnificent blessings rarely come without manifold struggles. When you ask God to give you His anointing, be prepared to handle the crushing. When you ask Him to bless you, be prepared for Him to break you in the process. Can you handle it?