READING: 2 Kings 1-3, John 8:21-47
God always has a plan, and it’s always right. When He called Elijah the prophet into a whirlwind with a chariot and horses of fire (2 Kgs 2:11), God had already set aside the next prophet: Elisha. Not only had He already connected Elijah and Elisha, but He then verified Elisha’s calling with a miracle similar to one Elijah had performed. He struck the water with Elijah’s mantle (just as Elijah had previously done), and the waters again parted. Some around could say nothing less than “The spirit of Elijah rests on Elisha” (2 Kgs 2:15).
God had a plan to raise up and use Elijah’s successor. In my 38 years of ministry, here’s what I’ve learned about leadership roles in the local church and in the seminary: God always has the next leader already picked out. Both churches I led called a pastor soon after I left for other ministry opportunities – and they often grew more and accomplished more after I was gone. In my seminary roles, the leaders always found someone to fill that void and lead the institution to greater heights. God always had a plan.
He always still does have a plan—and we can always trust Him.
PRAYER: “Father, please remind me again and again that You have a plan.”
TOMORROW’S READING: 2 Kings 4-5, John 8:48-9:12
