I ruined my wife’s post-college plans. She expected to spend her twenties living with friends, working on an advanced degree, and enjoying the company of a pet cat. Unfortunately for her (and for that future cat), she met me: a young man who knew God had called him into pastoral ministry, and who was allergic to cats.
Kim has always been a hard worker, and she excels at almost everything she tries. When we met, she was already on her way to publishing research as an undergrad. In the middle of that work, she chose a new direction and followed me as I moved toward full-time ministry. Kim isn’t called to be a pastor, but she has supported one for most of her adult life. God’s call on my life has cost her something too.
This Sunday, we meet a new character in the Elijah story: Elisha. You probably know the name. He’s the subject of one of my favorite “infrequently told Bible stories,” where a group of young men mock his bald head and are then mauled by bears. (It’s true! Check out 2 Kings 2:23–25.) But before Elisha ever speaks for God, we find him plowing a field behind twelve teams of oxen. He was faithfully headed in one direction until God called his life somewhere new.
If you’re trying to figure out where God is calling you, or what it might cost, join us this Sunday for “Passing the Mantle.”
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