In life, when a major shift is on the horizon, it’s not uncommon to face temptations or challenges that could derail your calling. Often, these tests come from someone close to you—whether a parent, leader, or mentor—someone whose influence on you is significant. But what if the very resistance you're feeling is an indication that your assignment is nearing a crucial point? Let’s draw some parallels from two powerful biblical stories: Elijah and Elisha (2 Kings 2:1-14) and Naomi and Ruth (Ruth 1: 8-17).
The Temptation to Stay Behind
Take the story of Elijah and Elisha. As Elijah’s time on earth was drawing to a close, he repeatedly urged Elisha to stay behind at various points along their journey. Elijah, a prophet who had spent significant portions of his life fleeing alone into the wilderness, seemed accustomed to facing monumental moments in solitude. As he neared the supernatural event of being taken up into heaven, the weight of that reality surely weighed on him. Elijah’s habit of retreating into isolation during times of danger may have resurfaced in his urging of Elisha to stay behind.
Yet, Elisha refused. He was not deterred by Elijah's words or the uncertainty of what was to come. Like a faithful servant, he walked alongside his mentor, no matter how uncomfortable or dangerous the journey became. Elisha’s loyalty in these moments speaks to the unwavering faith we, too, must have in the assignments God gives us. No matter how many times we may be told to stay behind or give up, our response should always be, "I will not leave you."
The Call to Walk Together
Similarly, in the story of Naomi and Ruth, we find Naomi repeatedly urging Ruth to return to her homeland. Naomi, a woman who had lost her husband and sons, believed that her situation was beyond redemption. In her grief and despair, she tried to send Ruth back to a more comfortable and familiar life. Yet, like Elisha, Ruth refused to leave. Her famous declaration, "Where you go, I will go; where you stay, I will stay," mirrors Elisha's determination to stay with Elijah.
These stories remind us that when God assigns people to walk alongside us in our journey, they will be relentless in their support. Even when we try to send them away, they remain, faithfully committed to the path God has set before them—and us.
Destiny Helpers Are Sent by God
It’s important to recognize that just as Elisha and Ruth clung to their mentors, God places “destiny helpers” in our lives for seasons of transition. These are the people who are committed to seeing the completion of God’s work in our lives. Whether we are the Elijah or the Naomi in the story, feeling the weight of life's struggles, or we are the Elisha or Ruth, feeling called to support someone through their journey, we must trust that God’s purpose will prevail.
You may be in a season where you feel overwhelmed and ready to walk away, or you may be feeling the tug to support someone through a difficult time. Either way, God is orchestrating all things to work together for good. He’s not just positioning you for success; He’s positioning you to help others succeed as well.
Trust the Process
Remember these lessons from Elijah, Elisha, Naomi, and Ruth when you find yourself in a place where the road seems uncertain and those around you suggest taking the easy way out. Hold fast to your assignment and to the people God has placed in your life to walk alongside you. Whether you’re the one being urged to stay behind or the one being asked to press forward, know that God is in control. His timing, His purpose, and His plan are always perfect. 🙏 As Romans 8:28 reminds us, "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." Whether you are the one passing on the mantle or the one receiving it, know that you are part of a divine story that is unfolding according to God’s will. 🌟
Stay faithful. Stay committed. God’s work in your life is not finished yet.
I hope this message encourages you to trust in God’s plan, no matter how uncertain or challenging it may seem. Let me know your thoughts and how this resonates with your current journey!
From 2 Kings 2:14 (Elisha parts the Jordan River):
How did Elisha show faith and courage when he struck the water of the Jordan River with Elijah’s cloak?
Why do you think Elisha asked for a double portion of Elijah’s spirit before Elijah was taken up?
What does it mean to you to trust in God’s power, even when you're stepping into a new or scary situation, like Elisha did?
How can you apply Elisha’s confidence in God's presence in your own life when you face challenges or uncertainty?
Have you ever experienced a situation where you felt God was calling you to continue a task or mission someone else started? How did you respond?
From Ruth 1:8-18 (Ruth's loyalty to Naomi):
What does Ruth’s decision to stay with Naomi, despite Naomi urging her to leave, teach us about loyalty and love?
How do you think Naomi felt when Ruth refused to leave her, even though Naomi felt she had nothing to offer?
Why is it important to have people like Ruth in your life who will support you no matter what? Do you have a “Ruth” in your life?
Ruth said, “Where you go, I will go; and where you stay, I will stay.” What does this show us about Ruth's character and her faith in God?
How can you show the same kind of loyalty to God and others in your own life, even when it’s hard or inconvenient?
