Dear Friends and Family,

READ 1 KINGS 19:1 THROUGH 20:43

Dr. Eleanor Chestnut was an American medical missionary and translator in China. Before she went to China, however, she was a women’s doctor in Massachusetts. Eleanor grew up orphaned and poor and had struggled to become a doctor. She could have stayed home, enjoying wealth and comfort. But during her schooling God prepared her heart for her future work: sharing Christ with the lost. She freely gave up everything, including her life, for the people of China.

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).

Elisha was a farmer. While he faithfully worked his fields every day, God prepared his heart for his future work. When Elijah came along, Elisha was ready to follow him. Holding a feast for his neighbors sealed his commitment. There was no turning back. This act set him free to serve God with all his being.

Thought for Today: Am I willing to give up everything to follow Jesus?