Carry On

2 Kings 2:8-15

During my time on earth, I’ve had the immense joy of “doing life” with some amazing women.  The world can be a crazy place, so to have people you trust who you can turn to when you’re not sure what to do, is beyond comforting.  Women who’ve been there, done that and who’ve lived a life of honest faith can have a resounding impact on your life.  I truly believe there is nothing better than having a mentor - or two or three.

In today’s story, Elijah served as a mentor to Elisha.  They cared for each other and before they were separated, Elisha said he wanted to be like Elijah and do the things he did.  Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, right?

Now I will admit, none of my mentors have been able to divide water with their coats, but they’ve done some pretty amazing things by sharing their faith with others.  I hope I’m able to do the same.

Will I one day witness them being taken to heaven in a chariot of fire, most likely not, though that would be cool.  I do hope that when their work here on earth is done, part of their spirit will live on in me.  Just as Elisha carried on Elijah’s mission of prophecy, so too do I want to be a good steward of their legacy.

Father, you are the ultimate mentor.  Thank you for placing people in our lives to show us the way.  May we each seek out others we can share your kingdom mission with.  Amen 

The Story - Chapter 15 - 2 Kings 2, 4, 6

How big are your giants?  Are they big enough to keep you in isolation, hiding you out so they don't find you?  Do they keep you awake at night, causing you to loose peaceful and precious rest?  Are these giants ruining your appetite; zapping your strength?  Just what in the world can do this to us?

Fear is a crippling emotion and one Scripture addresses again and again.  Fear is an emotion, a feeling, and we all know that feelings aren't facts; they are gut reactions to the unknown.  Our fears can take on the appearance of GIANTS, they can stop us in our tracks and they rob us of our peace and tranquility.

When we come to believe in God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we need not fear anything.  That is a bold statement to make and one that is very difficult to live up to.  I can speak from experience as I am confident you can also.  As I was praying about the giants in my life today I was reminded of another concept called perspective.  The giants in life take on different shapes and forms depending on our current perspective.

For instance, there was a time when I worried about money, about retirement and how it was all going to work. I worried about my children and grandchildren and was fearful of the state of our country; the list goes on. Then suddenly all these things were put into a new perspective when a terminal illness struck.  None of the things listed to this point mattered any longer.  They were not giants anymore, but minuscule issues - they did not matter.

2 Kings 6:16 (NIV) 
"Don't be afraid," the prophet answered. "Those who are with us are more than those who are with them." 

This story today is about the giants in Elisha's servants eyes.  It is a fascinating story of the fear this servant experienced when he saw the enemy/giants surrounding the city.  Elisha prayed for his man to see there was nothing to fear.

2 Kings 6:17 (NIV)
"And Elisha prayed, "O LORD, open his eyes so he may see." Then the LORD opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha." 

The next time fear gets ahold of you, read this story and then ask God to reveal himself, to show you just how much He has your fears/giants under his command.

Read 2 Kings 2, 4, 6 here

Listen to 2 Kings 2, 4, 6 here