ALONE..........

8/16/10……………….for a reason or a season. In the scriptures, we read that Timothy had Paul by his side for awhile and then Paul went to Macedonia and Timothy went to Ephesus, without his mentor. How alone Timothy must have felt. 2 Kings 2 tells of Elisha the prophet being separated from his predecessor/mentor, Elijah. My Utmost for His Highest speaks of such times as these---when we are left alone and often think we can’t go on without our "spiritual sidekick".

“It is not wrong for you to depend on your “Elijah” for as long as God gives him to you. But remember that the time will come when he must leave and will no longer be your guide and your leader, because God does not intend for him to stay.” (My Utmost 8/11)

Alone at Your “Jordan” (2 Kings 2:14) The Jordan River represents …… separation…..no fellowship with anyone else, …. no one else can take your responsibility from you. You now have to put to the test what you learned when you were with your “Elijah.” You have been to the Jordan over and over again with Elijah, but now you are facing it alone. (emphasis mine) There is no use in saying that you cannot go— the experience is here, and you must go. If you truly want to know whether or not God is the God your faith believes Him to be, then go through your “Jordan” alone.” (My Utmost 8/11)
Alone at Your “Jericho” (2 Kings 2:15) Jericho……the place where you have seen your “Elijah” do great things….when you come alone to your “Jericho,”.…. a strong reluctance to (emphasis mine) ……trust in God, wanting, instead, for someone else to take it for you.…….remain true to what you learned while with your “Elijah,”.……..(My Utmost 8/11)
Alone at Your “Bethel” (2 Kings 2:23) At your “Bethel” you will find yourself at your wits’ end (emphasis mine) but at the beginning of God’s wisdom. When you come to your wits’ end and feel inclined to panic— don’t! Stand true to God and He will bring out His truth in a way that will make your life an expression of worship. Put into practice what you learned while with your “Elijah”— use his mantle and pray (v.13-14)…..determination….trust in God,…..do not even look for Elijah anymore. (My Utmost 8/11)

After a while, we have to learn to “go it” alone though as believers we never truly face anything alone. Our Emmanuel, “God with us” is always present.

Though I have been blessed at different stages in my Christian walk to have a prayer partner, as well as a mentor or “discipler,” there have been many times where God has chosen for me to “go it” on my own. This week, I want you to “go it” on your own in meditation. Take time to be alone---in His presence. Ask the Lord to guide you to a verse/passage just for you. Pick up your Bible and begin reading---maybe in 2 Kings or the Psalms or one of the Epistles. Allow the Spirit of God to speak to your heart and teach you from his word.