"So Elisha left him and went back. He took his yoke of oxen and slaughtered them. He burned the plowing equipment to cook the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out to follow Elijah and became his servant." 1 Kings 19:21
After many months of prayer, I finally felt led to set a goal of completing a 100 mile race-a race, for one reason or another, I had put off registering for. And while training had gone well for the last six weeks, doubt and discouragement had recently crept in making the thought of giving up and "going back" to the way things were a bit too enticing. So knowing what I had to do, I "officially" signed up, told others about my decision and set out my new training plan. There! Now there was certainly no way of going back I thought. Sometimes in order to achieve a goal, we just need to remove those things that would lead us return to our old ways don't you think?
And when talking about permanently getting rid of things that could lure us into going back, Elisha, upon being called by God, committed the ultimate act to ensure that he would not return and go back to the way things were. While plowing his field, Elisha was approached and anointed by Elijah to take his place as Israel's next prophet. I love what Elisha did next! He kissed his mother and father goodbye, went back to the field where he slaughtered his oxen, burned the plowing equipment, cooked the meat and gave it to the people. Just like that, everything that could have tempted him to return was gone. He was now free to follow "Elijah and became his servant", wholeheartedly committed to the work God had called him to.
Perhaps you're struggling with making a commitment today? Maybe it's to lose weight, get a new job or give yourself fully to God? Whatever it is, the best way to ensure success is to permanently remove those things that would tempt you into "going back" to the way things were.
Heavenly Father, thank you for the many things you have blessed us with especially Salvation that is only found in you. Help us today to commit to fulfilling the purpose you have for our lives and to commit so fully that we would rid ourselves of the things that would cause us to "go back" to our old lives. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.
Happy Running!!!
No turning back - Brandon Heath
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