When God Calls, How Do We Respond?

So he … found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen before him … and Elijah passed by him, and cast his mantle upon him. 1 Kings 19:19.
When Elijah saw Elisha in the field with the servants, plowing with his twelve yoke of oxen, he went to the field of labor, and while passing by he unfastened his mantle and threw it upon the shoulders of Elisha. During the three and a half years of barrenness and famine, the family of Shaphat became familiar with the work and mission of Elijah the prophet. The Spirit of God impressed the heart of Elisha in regard to the meaning of this action. This was his signal that God had called him to be the successor of Elijah. It was similar to the commission of Christ to the young ruler to leave all—houses, lands, friends, riches, comforts, and ease, “and come and follow me.”
Elijah passed on as if that were the end of the matter. But he knew that Elisha had understood the significance of the action, and he left him, without speaking a word, to decide whether he would accept the call or reject it. Elisha hastened after the prophet and, overtaking him, asked permission to take leave of his parents, and bid farewell to his family.
The answer of Elijah was “Go back again: for what have I done unto thee?” This was not a repulse, but a test, a trial. If his heart clung to his home and its advantages, he was at liberty to remain there. But Elisha was prepared to hear the call of God. He had not been disorderly, running before the call had come, and when he was called he revealed that he would not hesitate, nor relent, nor draw back….
Had Elisha asked Elijah what was expected of him, what would be his work, he would have answered, God knows; He will make it known to you. If you wait upon the Lord He will answer your every question. You may come with me if you have evidence that God has called you; if not, forbear. Come not simply because I called you. Know for yourself that God stands back of me, and that it is His voice you hear. If you can count everything but dross that you may win the favor of God, Come.
Let all bear in mind that the Lord will not accept halfhearted service. Those who love to do the will of God can do perfect service…. If we follow on to know the Lord, willingly, gladly, we shall know that “his going forth is prepared as the morning.” …
Elisha immediately left all to commence his ministry.—Letter 12, 1897.
Christ Triumphant p. 167
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Prayer Requests
—-Please pray for Shelly who has stage three breast cancer. Brenda
—-update—Mike was transferred to ICU approximately 2:00 am following his heart transplant. He is critically ill requiring a high level of support. Cardiac function itself is now excellent but there are many other concerns requiring prayer so for simplicity, I will list them. -Mike is on immunosuppressant drugs so that his body will not reject the heart.-Due to a shortage of Mike’s blood type, he was intentionally switched to different red blood cells which could represent future risks which they’ll have to monitor.
-Mike is currently on a ventilator receiving extra oxygen to protect his lungs.
-The doctors are working to correct metabolic acidosis in his body before extubation.
-Insulin is given as needed to maintain adequate glycemic control.
-There is concern for blood clots so they are monitoring him closely to prevent an embolism. -His urinary output is worsening despite lasix, so they may have to put Mike on temporary dialysis to protect his kidneys.
As you can see, Mike is in need of more prayer. The first hours, weeks, and months post transplant are crucial. Roberta
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Dear Friends,
Some years ago when Ronnie Jay had moved back home, he discovered that the heavy rains we had been having that year had caused water damage in his bedroom. (Whether it came from the roof that was in the process of being replaced, or from the large window above the window seat, I do not know.) The stuff he had stored in his window seat was soggy, moldy, and ruined. Most had to be thrown away. Now Ronnie Jay has always liked to keep things, so this was very upsetting for him.
As if that was not enough, that evening he noticed that his thirty-gallon aquarium had sprung a leak and there was water damage in his living-room as well. He spent until almost bedtime cleaning up that mess. He was very distressed as it brought back memories of last spring when he lost nearly everything when his basement apartment flooded.
Just as our house needed some quick attention to keep the damage from getting any worse, so our spiritual house can get wet and moldy from time to time and in need of cleansing. If we neglect the problem, it will only get worse. Jesus is coming soon! If we have neglected the necessary preparation, we will lament, “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.” Jer 8:20
Now is the time to rid our mind of the “damaged clutter” that has accumulated, so that it will not be found there at His appearing. Now is the time to clean out the “window seat” of our heart that it may be pure and clean. Now is the time to make the necessary preparations that we “may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.” Peter advises us, “Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 3:14; 1:10,11 Now is the time to pray as did David, “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Ps 139:23, 24
Paul urged us to do that spiritual housecleaning when he said, “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” Phil 2:12, 13 And if we find things within us that must be put out of our hearts, we have the promise, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.”1 John 1:9-2:2 Praise God! He offers us the forgiveness we need! We can be cleansed from all iniquity! Our Great Redeemer “shall supply all [our] need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Phil 4:19,20
“To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.” Heb 3:15
Today, He is knocking at your heart’s door pleading for entrance therein. “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” Rev 3:20 Precious promise! May we allow our Loving Saviour to do the rearranging necessary to make us ready for that Great Day of His Appearing is my prayer.
Rose