Strength for the Challenge

Scripture References: 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14; Psalm 77:1-2, 11-20; Galatians 5:1, 13-25 and Luke 9:51-62

Among the many truths contained in these verses, there is one truth that we find emphasized in each of these portions of Scripture. God sometimes calls us to do things that seem to be impossible. Whether the size of the task or the size of the commitment seems to be beyond our ability or willingness, sometimes the task God sets before us may seem to be beyond our scope.

In 2 Kings 2:1-2 and 6-14, we have recorded the story of Elijah's ascent into heaven and the beginning of Elisha's ministry as a prophet in Israel. There was no doubt that God had worked tremendous miracles through His prophet, Elijah. Now Elisha was about to take over the ministry, and he saw himself as acutely unprepared. He asked for a double portion of the blessing that God had given to Elijah, not because he thought he was more worthy, but because he thought he was more in need. After Elijah was gone away into heaven, God showed Elisha that He had provided the power His new prophet needed. Elisha took Elijah's cloak and when he got to the Jordan River, he touched it to the water. The flow of the river stopped so he could walk through.

In Luke 9:51-62 we have the story of Jesus and the beginning of His journey to Jerusalem where He would offer up His life for the forgiveness of lost humanity. Along the way, He encountered some would-be disciples. One is apparently dissuaded when Jesus tells him that "the Son of Man has no place to lay His head." Another whom Jesus calls asks permission to go bury his father. Jesus responds by saying words that may seem harsh to us. "Let the dead bury their own dead." The final person whom Jesus calls asks permission to first say goodbye to his friends and family. Jesus tells him that he can't turn back. He has to take the difficult step of leaving everything and everyone behind for the sake of the calling.

Jesus' challenge to these potential disciples is every bit as daunting as the task the Lord set before Elisha. It may also seem to be as daunting as the challenge God has set before some of us. We don't have to worry about a short supply of power, however. Psalm 77 reminds us that we can call on the name of the Lord in our times of trouble. We can call on Him with confidence because He is the one who works wonders, who makes the waters stop or flow, and who roars forth with thunder and lightning. He certainly has the power to help us in times of daunting challenge or trouble.

For those who follow Christ, that power is at work in us through the Holy Spirit. If we walk by the Spirit, as Galatians 5 encourages us to walk, we will, by God's power, put to death the works of the flesh. God will do His work in us that through us. Think the challenge you face is too hard for God? What is the challenge we might face when compared to creating and sustaining the whole universe?