Thank you Lord for Coe22

I remember praying that God would lead me to a church that:

1. Teaches the Bible verse by verse and in context.
2. Has a pastor who is genuinely passionate about the Lord.
3. Has worship that is centered on glorifying God—not entertaining people.

God answered that prayer far beyond anything I could have imagined. He led me to Church of Eleven22 here in Jacksonville, Florida, and I am still amazed by His goodness and faithfulness.
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What made me reflect on this was when I found myself thinking about Elijah and Elisha this morning. I love their lives and the incredible ways God used them.

Now, I’m certainly not saying Pastor Joby is Elijah or Elisha. They were uniquely appointed by God for a specific time in redemptive history. But I do see godly characteristics in his life and ministry that remind me of them.

Pastor Joby reminds me a little of Elijah—minus the hair. 😊 Like Elijah, he has a deep passion for the Lord and a clear love for God’s Word. He spends intentional time alone with God in the woods. He listens, boldly proclaims God’s truth, doesn’t water it down, and fearlessly calls people to wholehearted devotion to Jesus. Elijah stood before kings and called God’s people back to Him. In the same way, Pastor Joby consistently challenges us not to settle for comfortable Christianity but to surrender every part of our lives to Christ.

Then there’s Elisha. Well… Pastor Joby is bald. 😊 But beyond that lighthearted comparison, I also see a ministry that points people to the power and goodness of God. Elisha’s life was marked by compassion, discipleship, and a desire for people to experience the Lord’s provision and power in everyday life. I see those same themes woven throughout Pastor Joby’s teaching. He continually points people to Jesus, depends on the Holy Spirit, and encourages believers to live lives of obedience and faith.

One of my favorite things about both Elijah and Elisha is that they never sought to make much of themselves. Their lives pointed people to the greatness of God. I believe every faithful pastor should do the same. More than personality, charisma, or gifting, what reminds me of these prophets is a life marked by surrender to God, unwavering faithfulness to His Word, and complete dependence on the Lord.

Looking back, I realize God didn’t just answer my prayer—He exceeded it. He gave me a church where His Word is faithfully taught, where worship exalts Christ, and where I am continually challenged to know Him more deeply and follow Him more wholeheartedly.

Thank You, Lord, for hearing my prayer and answering it so abundantly. You are always faithful, and Your goodness never ceases to amaze me.