The power of the LORD came on Elijah; he fastened his clothes tight around his waist and ran ahead of Ahab all the way to Jezreel.

Elisha turned to Gehazi and said, "Hurry! Take my walking stick and go. Don't stop to greet anyone you meet, and if anyone greets you, don't take time to answer. Go straight to the house and hold my stick over the boy."

Now stand up straight and answer the questions I ask you.

"Be ready for whatever comes, dressed for action and with your lamps lit,

Finally, build up your strength in union with the Lord and by means of his mighty power.

So stand ready, with truth as a belt tight around your waist, with righteousness as your breastplate,

So then, have your minds ready for action. Keep alert and set your hope completely on the blessing which will be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.

But his bow remains steady, And his arms are made strong By the power of the Mighty God of Jacob, By the Shepherd, the Protector of Israel.

The metalworker takes a piece of metal and works with it over a fire. His strong arm swings a hammer to pound the metal into shape. As he works, he gets hungry, thirsty, and tired.

Even though I was the one who brought them up and made them strong, they plotted against me.