As I was thinking about this issue’s
theme of “Equipping Others,” I began to think about examples from the Bible of
people being equipped and mentored to walk out their purpose (or walk in their
destiny) through the instruction and counsel they received from people they had
close relationship with. The mentors walked with their “mentees” and spoke
words that helped destinies be fulfilled.
In the example of Naomi and Ruth, Naomi was
able to equip Ruth through instruction and guidance. Naomi was able to help
Ruth determine the way that she should go and the manner in which she should
conduct herself. This insight led to a major blessing and change in Ruth’s
life, which in turn had a positive impact on Naomi’s life.
In the example of Eli and Samuel, Eli
trained Samuel up from a child to be a priest. Eli helped Samuel recognize
God’s voice, and Samuel was able to hear God’s voice and direction. The result
was Samuel served as the last judge of Israel.
In the example of Elijah and Elisha, Elijah
anointed Elisha to be a prophet, and they walked together. During their time
together, Elisha was able to follow Elijah and learn from him. When Elijah was
being taken up to heaven, Elisha was a witness. Elisha took up Elijah’s mantle
and received the double portion that he had requested from Elijah.
In the example of Mordecai and Esther,
Mordecai instructed Esther on how she should conduct herself around the king.
He gave her instruction and counsel. The result was that Esther was able to
save her people. She became a much referenced example of the importance of
timing in the lives of those who are walking out their God-given destinies.
In the example of Paul and Timothy, Paul
instructed Timothy on the way he should conduct himself. Paul continually spoke
into Timothy’s life and the result was that Timothy in turn spoke into the
lives of others. Their relationship reminds me of a mentorship where someone
older and wiser counsels someone younger who is heading down a similar path.
And, of course, we have the example of
Jesus equipping His disciples to become more like Him. The disciplines, in
turn, equipped others and Christianity grew. The disciples and apostles
accomplished more together than they could have apart. And although trying to
reach a similar goal, each one worked out of his personality and gifting to
accomplish his call. Paul and Peter spoke to crowds, while Andrew preferred to
do his ministry one on one.
What strikes me about the examples given
above is that they all involved intimate relationships and accessibility. These
are examples of people who spent time together and had the intimacy that only
walking together with someone brings. They were not strangers. They were
counselors and advisors who acted as mentors and spoke into lives. They
understood God’s purpose and call in their own lives and were able to speak
into the lives of others.
Now we have the opportunity to walk with someone and help equip them to
fulfill their destinies. I encourage you to find your path and walk it.
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