Biblical Example: 2 Kings 2:1-15

The Women's Devotional Bible has a wonderful devotional reading on this passage (p 441). It reads:

Where have all the mentors gone? Where are the older, wiser women who once taught younger women to bake bread, sew clothing and keep their kitchens spotless? Where are the women who once gathered in homes for coffee and encouragement? They haven't disappeared. They can be found in the church, in homes, offices, neighborhoods, and schools. Their focus may have changed, but they are still there for the yonger women who have much to learn from them.

Some of today's mentors are much like Elijah, who was faithful carrying on in his role as God's prophet when he saw Elisha working in his father's fields. He saw the potential in this young man, so he threw his mantle on Elisha's shoulders, symbolically passing the leadership to the net generation. Elisha then said good-bye to his old life and moved forward, following Elijah and learning from the older man.

Elisha steadfastly stayed with his mentor Elijah. Even with Elijah commanded Elisha to remain at Bethel, Elisha refused, saying he would never leave the older prophet's side. Thus, Elisha expressed his love and faithfulness not only to Elijah, but also to God. Elisha vowed never to leave Elijah, and he didn't until he had gleaned everythiing he needed to know from this godly man, until he received the blessing of his mentor, until he watched his mentor vanish in a heavenly whirlwind.

We all need mentors like Elijah: women who have faced struggles and overcome; women who have grown through struggle and perseverance; women who have seen God perform miracles; women who have gone through hard times and experienced God's presence with them. These are the women who can pass on the news that God's Word is still active and dynamic among s. These are the ones who can place the mantle on our shoulders and confirm that we're rady to move on to greater tasks.

Who are the godly women walking long the roads in your life, willng to pass on the knowledge they've gained? Who has watched you as you've worked in your Bible study, your volunteer position or at your job? Who has seen your gifts and your potential? Try being like Elisha. Follow her and glean from her knowledge of the living God concerning how to best serve him.