Please continue to pray for Henry’s health. His blood sugar level has continued to be close to 300. Doctors indicate when his pancreas begins functioning again that should go down. Henry is scheduled to videotape the new Experiencing God videos in Nashville beginning February 6. He is then scheduled to travel to South Africa to do some teaching. Both of these trips are important but his health must improve if he is to do them. Please pray that his pancreas will begin functioning properly, his pain will completely subside and his strength will return. Pray also that he will have wisdom whether to go to Africa at this time or not.

The family thanks you for kindly lifting him up in prayer. Rather than calling his office for updates, please feel free to visit this website in the days ahead. Whenever we have an update on his condition, we will post it here.

And so it was, when they had crossed over, that Elijah said to Elisha, "Ask! What may I do for you, before I am taken away from you?" Elisha said, "Please let a double portion of your spirit be upon me." (2 Kings 2:9)

There had never been a man like Elijah. Elijah had raised the dead, called down fire from heaven, and revealed God’s plans for a devastating drought. The Israelites must have felt certain there would never be another prophet like Elijah, until Elisha came along. Moses was arguably the mightiest leader the Hebrews had ever followed, yet God prepared Joshua to accomplish what not even Moses had achieved. David’s reign marked a high point for the nation of Israel, yet it was Solomon who carried out the task that was denied his father, by building the spectacular temple.

We can be tempted to put more trust in the leaders God gives us than in God Himself. History teaches that, as wonderful as these godly people are, God always has another Moses, Elijah, or David. Often the successor will come with a double portion of their predecessors’ spirits.

God’s purposes do not depend on us. He has limitless ways to accomplish His will. The same God who led Moses could also use Joshua. If no one were willing to serve Him, the Lord would accomplish His work by His own divine power. We are not irreplaceable to the Lord. He will achieve His purposes. The question is this: Will we be a part of God’s activity, or will He find someone else? We deceive ourselves if we think we are indispensable to God. Service to the Lord is an honor God bestows on us, not a favor we do for God.

If you are mourning the loss of one of your leaders, do not despair. God has another leader, for He will see that His will is carried out. It may even be that He has been preparing you to be that leader.

by Henry T. Blackaby

Life is very short, at best. It passes quickly, and it is uncertain at all times. “It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away” (James 4:14). David understood this all too well and pleaded unto the Lord:

"Lord, make to know my end,

"And what is the measure of my days,

"That I may know how frail I am.

"Indeed, You have made my days as handbreaths,

"And my age is as nothing before You” (Psalm 39:4-5)."

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