Scripture:
“When the Lord was about to take Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were traveling from Gilgal. And Elijah said to Elisha, ‘Stay here, for the Lord has told me to go to Bethel.’
But Elisha replied, ‘As surely as the Lord lives and you yourself live, I will never leave you!’ So they went down together to Bethel. The group of prophets from Bethel came to Elisha and asked him, ‘Did you know that the Lord is going to take your master away from you today?’
‘Of course I know,’ Elisha answered. ‘But be quiet about it.’
Then Elijah said to Elisha, ‘Stay here, for the Lord has told me to go to Jericho.’ But Elisha replied again, ‘As surely as the Lord lives and you yourself live, I will never leave you.’ So they went on together to Jericho.
Then the group of prophets from Jericho came to Elisha and asked him, ‘Did you know that the Lord is going to take your master away from you today?’
‘Of course I know,’ Elisha answered. ‘But be quiet about it.’
Then Elijah said to Elisha, ‘Stay here, for the Lord has told me to go to the Jordan River.’ But again Elisha replied, ‘As surely as the Lord lives and you yourself live, I will never leave you.’ So they went on together.” 2 Kings 2:1-6 (NLT)
Perspective:
Elijah was approaching the end of his life, and he was trying to create space between himself and Elisha. God was preparing Elisha for a change even before it happened. Although Elisha didn’t want to let go of Elijah, God so graciously allowed him to be part of the process of Elijah’s departure. They kept journeying together to Bethel, Jericho, and the Jordan River. Prophets along the way kept reminding Elisha of the inevitable. Elisha knew what was coming. Elisha hung on for as long as he could, and when the time had come for Elijah to leave, Elisha asked for a double portion of the blessing that had been on Elijah’s life. Although he didn’t want change, his response signified that he was ready for it.
We are not always privy to how and why God is working. However, if you pay attention, God has a way of preparing us for change even before it arrives. Conversations with friends, a message, or simply a change of circumstances that would more easily facilitate change may occur. Change is hard for almost everyone. Yet, when we allow the process to bring out the best in us, then we aren’t fighting the emotions that come with resisting change. As God prepares you for a change in your job, community, or life, ask Him for wisdom to know what to request as He prepares you for a new season.
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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About Hona Amer
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