Burning Our Bridges (and Plows) Behind Us

Elisha, an Old Testament prophet, was plowing his field when his call to service came.¹ He killed his oxen and gave a goodbye BBQ party, burning his plow for fuel and letting the neighbors keep the food.

A farmer without an ox or a plow doesn't do much farming. In burning his plow Elisha was, in effect, burning his bridges behind him to his old life, no turning back - if this prophet stuff failed he had no backup plan.²

God wants that same abandon exhibited in us as we respond to the call to give our lives to Jesus - not holding back part of ourselves in case we change our minds or keeping our decision secret to save face; we are to follow Christ fully engaged in the process.

Years ago a presidential candidate said publically, "Jesus Christ is part of my life." That really was the problem, Jesus was only a part.

Few are told by God to sell everything and start walking, but all His are called to be willing.

-fritz

^{1. - 1st Kings 19:19-21
2 - Related Post, My Voice and No Backup Plan}

Leaving the Pity Party

[Elijah] ... sat down under a juniper tree: ... and said, "It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers." - 1st Kings 19:4 (KJV)

Elijah threw a Pity Party! He felt abandoned and his efforts futile; even thought of suicide.

Four (4) things got him out of it - they work for us, too.

And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head. And he did eat and drink, and laid him down again. 1st Kings 19:6 (KJV)

1) He ate something nourishing - diet, or lack thereof, affects how we feel.

2) He got some sleep. Studies have shown when we don't get enough sleep we suffer emotionally.

3) He got alone with God, vented some, then listened.

And he arose, ... and went ...unto Horeb the mount of God ... unto a cave, and lodged there; and, behold, the word of the LORD came to him - 1st Kings 19:8-9

Jesus opened the way for us to have direct access to God¹; it's no longer the privilege of a few holy men. So utilize the opportunity paid for by Jesus.

Don't miss getting alone with God - vent, cry, even argue with Him but don't give him the cold shoulder, He's the only one who can pull you out! Take the Bible with you, let Him speak to you through it!

4) God gave him a task.

And the LORD said unto him, "Go, return on thy way to the wilderness of Damascus: and when thou comest, anoint Hazael to be king over Syria: And Jehu the son of Nimshi shalt thou anoint to be king over Israel: and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abelmeholah shalt thou anoint to be prophet in thy room." - 1st Kings 19:15-16 (KJV)

Do something that takes your focus off of you and what you don't like. God has plenty of opportunities for service².

Pity Parties accomplish nothing; get some nourishment, get some rest, get alone with God to vent and listen, then get going for Jesus; feelings will come along.

- fritz

¹ Hebrews 10:19-23
² Purpose for "Lost" Causes

Acts of God

"... the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. - 1^st Kings 19:11b-13a (ESB)

Floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, and fires are call "Acts of God", but Elijah knew the quiet whisper was the real "Act Of God" and that's when he responded.

It has been said we miss the miraculous because we are looking for the spectacular. God chooses the ordinary - the low whisper, a blue collar carpenter family, a stable at an obscure inn of an obscure town, rough fishermen and IRS agents, even our own hands, feet, and possessions - to express Himself.

Being an ordinary expression of Christ is our mission, should we choose to accept it, and it is miraculous.

- fritz