A Prayer to Hold Fast When a Close Relationship Changes - Your Daily Prayer - August 12

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A Prayer to Hold Fast When a Close Relationship Changes
By Lia Girard

Bible Reading
When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you?” “Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,” Elisha replied. — 2 Kings 2:9

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Have you ever had a mentor who meant the world to you? It’s a very special bond that can have an everlasting impact. In 2 Kings 2, we’re given a profound portrait of an understudy transitioning into his mentor's leadership role. More importantly, we see the fierce loyalty and devotion Elisha has for Elijah.

A pivotal transition like this, from one prophet to a new one, is also seen in two other close biblical relationships: Moses and Joshua, and John the Baptist and Jesus. It’s marvelous how God continues to direct Joshua and give him courage and strength after he’s commissioned by Moses to take over leading the people into the Promised Land. And when John the Baptist declares in John 1:36: “Look, the Lamb of God!” as Jesus is passing by, John effectively hands off his disciples to the leadership of Jesus.

The relationship between a leader and a predecessor, or a mentor and a mentee, isn’t always guaranteed to be close or fruitful. But God shows us in 2 Kings 2 that when He is in it, it’s miraculous. When God changes relationships by transitioning leaders, he is demonstrating the infallibility of his continual salvation. In fact, the name Elisha, rooted in the two Hebrew words “El” (God) and Yeshua (salvation), means “God is salvation.”

In 2 Kings 2, Elisha had been eagerly following Elijah in his prophetic ministry for years. And he faithfully stays right by Elijah’s side wherever he goes. In fact, Elisha refuses to leave Elijah three times on their way across the Jordan River. Just prior to our scripture reference today, Elijah had struck the water with his cloak, dividing the river in two... so they could cross on dry ground.

That had to be big shoes to fill in Elisha’s eyes.

In 2 Kings 2:9, we see Elijah, who knows he will be taken away from Elisha, asking his loyal friend and follower: “Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you?” and Elisha replies, wisely, “Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit.” That’s like saying: if you must go, let me do what you did doubly well. Bless me abundantly with your spirit.

This is an example of someone deeply desiring to carry the torch forward, out of complete and authentic respect for his mentor. Elisha had to be feeling some fear or sadness about losing Elijah, or about being left alone in charge without him. But it’s possible this request for a double portion of Elijah’s spirit was Elisha’s way of overcoming his fear of change and his dread of losing this sacred relationship. So, he asked for Elijah’s strength and believed that he could serve as well as his leader.

Just imagine the intense shock that struck through Elisha’s core in 2 Kings 2:11, when a chariot of fire and horses appear between them and take Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind!

Right after this awe-inspiring moment, scripture tells us that “Elisha saw him no more.”

Throughout life, our mentors, whether they’re coaches, parents, managers, teachers, or any other honorable servants, leave us. But throughout the course of our close relationship with them, we’re given the courage and ability to do things we may not have thought possible without their guidance.

After Elijah is taken from Elisha, he picks up the proverbial torch. He proceeds to split the Jordan River in half and heal the city’s water. And in the continuing prophetic spirit of honoring God, he declares in 2 Kings 2:21: “This is what the LORD says: ‘I have healed this water. Never again will it cause death or make the land unproductive.”

Missions can change hands. Leaders can pass. But in the power of a close relationship that is based on honor, trust, and faith, God is always with you.

Let’s Pray

God, thank you for the mentors in my life who have guided and equipped me. Thank you for showing me how to hold fast to their teachings as a lasting gift, even when the relationship changes or they are gone. It’s not easy to lose a close relationship with someone I admire. Yet somehow, they remain in my heart. I hope you will always fill me with your courage when I have to let go. Give me faith to believe I can step up and step into a new role when a relationship changes roles or hands. I need your wisdom always. Please keep guiding me to relationships that inspire me to grow better, amid all the changes you lead me through.

In your precious name I pray,

Amen.

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Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/Konstanttin

Lia Girard is a seasoned writer, poet, and voice artist who formerly served as Faith Editor for Crosswalk.com. She currently co-hosts the Your Daily Prayer podcast on LifeAudio, and shares her peaceful, reflective poetry inspired by the wonders of nature on Instagram @wildpeace.poetry. Lia enjoys life with her husband and grown children, and walking in the woods with God.

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