by Sheri Schofield
Everyone called her Gammy, though her name was May. She was the grandmotherly woman who gave her property to the Christian community for the purpose of building a Christian school. Her daughter, Kay, taught third grade at the school, and I boarded with Kay and her husband while attending high school there.
Every day after school, I went over to Gammy’s house to study while Kay graded papers. Gammy would always have a snack ready for me. We would sit together at the table and she would pray. Her love for Jesus was evident with every word she prayed. I often glanced at her to observe with wonder the beautiful glow on her face as she spoke with her Lord.
Gammy was an intercessor. She prayed for so many people! While most young people wanted to emulate the young and famous leaders of our world, I wanted to become like Gammy, who was well into her 80’s. I wanted that same connection with God, that same shared love, that same power in prayer!
Elisha had a similar desire to be like Elijah, the great prophet of Israel. 2 Kings 2 records that God told Elijah that he would be swept up into heaven soon. He tried to meet with God alone, but Elisha, his understudy, stayed with him. He wouldn’t let Elijah out of his sight! Finally Elisha asked, “What is it that you want, Elisha?”
Elisha replied, “Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit!”
Elijah said, “Well, that’s a difficult thing for which to ask! But I’ll tell you what: If you see me when God takes me, it’s yours!”
Later that day as they were walking along by the Jordan River, God sent a chariot and horses of fire and whisked Elijah up into the air. Elisha cried out, “My father! My father! The chariots and horsemen of Israel!” Then Elijah disappeared into the clouds. But his mantle (cloak) fell back to the ground. Elisha picked it up. He walked over to the Jordan River and struck it with the great prophet’s mantle. The river parted and Elisha crossed to the other side. He had been given that double portion of Elijah’s spirit. From that moment on, he accomplished great things for God in Israel.
I was a junior in college when Gammy finally passed into the presence of Jesus. When I heard of her transition, I cried out to God, “Give me her mantle!” And God did. He gave me a passion for prayer. He even gave me Gammy’s prayer assignments at times, when people whom she had loved were in great need. I began seeing God work through my prayers like never before. Yes, I had received Gammy’s mantle!
Whether we know it or not, we are daily setting an example for others. Does the glory of our love for Jesus show on our faces? Are our ears tuned to the cries of those in need around us? Are we quick to notice where God’s power is needed? Do we hold others up in prayer to God? Though my personality may be very different from Gammy’s, I want my face to reflect my love for Jesus as hers did!
“Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 11:1 NIV
About the author: Children’s ministry veteran Sheri Schofield was unexpectedly called on to save her husband’s life, a battle that took her to the Pentagon, Congress, National Security and the President of the United States. At her website, www.SheriSchofield.com, she shares this journey in her book One Step Ahead of the Devil. Sheri’s new book, The Prince And The Plan, will be launched June 1. It is designed to help parents lead their children into a saving relationship with Jesus.
Free Book Contest! Arise Daily will use a random number generator to pick a winner from today’s comments. To enter our contest for Sheri’s book, One Step Ahead of the Devil, please comment below. By posting in our comments, you are giving us permission to share your name if you win! If you have an outside the US mailing address, your prize could be substituted with an e-book of our choice.
Join the conversation: Whose mantle do you want to inherit?