Jul 31 2023 John’s July Message: Disciple Making Could Be Your Second Wind!
Ask any leader in his field and he’ll tell you that success can be lonely. It’s not uncommon for great achievers to fall into a deep depression once they’ve reached the top. You would think they would feel satisfied by their accomplishments, yet many struggle with a profound sense of loss, even emptiness.
This is not a new problem. The Bible tells of a man who lived nearly 3,000 years ago who achieved phenomenal success as a prophet, yet became almost suicidal. The cure for his spiraling depression may surprise you. God ordered him to become a disciple maker.
Reminder: making disciples is God’s plan to change the planet. And He has given every follower of Jesus the command to participate in making disciples who make disciples. To learn more about this command, watch this video from chapel at Dallas Theological Seminary.
The story is recorded in 1 Kings 19:9–16. Up until this time, Elijah had faithfully proclaimed God’s Word, and performed miracles, and foretold Israel’s future, and fearlessly confronted the sins of Israel’s idolatrous king and queen. He stood alone against 450 pagan priests and humiliated them. He became such an effective voice for God that the queen committed all of the nation’s resources to hunt him down and to kill him.
Elijah escaped into the wilderness, collapsed under a bush, and said, “I have had enough, LORD. Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors” (1 Kings 19:4). So, after ministering to Elijah’s physical and spiritual needs, God addressed his equally important emotional need. He said, “Anoint Elisha to succeed you as prophet” (1 Kings 19:16).
This wasn’t a demotion or a firing; it was a gift. Discipling Elisha didn’t burden Elijah; it gave him his second wind. This committed relationship helped Elijah become more significant and more effective than ever.
Consider where you are in your professional or spiritual journey. How might you benefit by becoming a supportive influence in the life of another?
If you need help getting started, let us know!
Respond to this email and let us know how we can support you in fulfilling this command from Jesus – to make disciples who make disciples.
DISCIPLE MAKING HIGHLIGHTS…
I passed on the baton of disciple making so that the multiplication process can continue. Andrew Yates is the coordinator of global discipleship at Dallas Theological Seminary. We are excited to see what God does through Andrew being a disciple who makes disciples who makes disciples!
A couple weeks ago, we got an phone order for 30 copies of The Four Priorities. This couple had read it and wanted to give copies to all of the people attending their 50th wedding anniversary party. The lessons in this book have changed people’s lives for the better. And it gets me fired up when people share it with those around them!!
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT…
- Keep an eye out for new resources coming from us soon to equip and support you in making disciples!
- If you need a refresher,
- The Four Priorities Podcast – supplemental teaching for your journey through The Four Priorities.
- Order your copy of The Four Priorities
- Red Glasses Talk is also on all podcast platforms now!
HOW CAN WE PRAY FOR YOU?
Punky and I consider it a great privilege to pray for you — specifically, for a need or burden you might have, or to celebrate what God is doing in your life. This is one way we can stay connected to do you and do life together. Just comment here and let us know how to pray — and we will.
Warmly in Him,
John Tolson