Monday, 3/24/14
A story in the 19th Chapter of 1 Kings has baffled many bible readers for centuries. It is the account of the prophet Elijah running in fear from the threats of a wicked queen and him reaching the point of giving up. One reason that story is a head scratcher to so many is because, in their opinion, Elijah would be the last person such a thing would happen to. Yet, it did. You can call it fear, despondency, depression or just plain giving up but this is what verse 4 says: while he himself went a day's journey into the desert. He came to a broom tree, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. "I have had enough, LORD," he said. "Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors." Another reason is that the day before, (I Kings 18) Elijah had fearlessly demonstrated God’s power in front of a multitude. That spectacular display should have proven beyond any doubts that the royal couple, as well as the people, were greatly mistaken for worshipping idols and not Jehova, the true God of Israel. One would think, “That’s the clincher; now God’s people will come back to Him.” They did not. Therein lies what may have brought the prophet to such a level of despair. It is a situation many of us can relate to.
If you’ve ever had a life mission, or worked on a certain task or project with all your heart and it all came to nothing. And if reality has ever shattered one of your dreams, you can understand why Elijah sank so low. He may have thought the day before, "That did it, I nailed it" and when it didn’t happen, he suffered a gigantic letdown. But wait a minute, Elijah’s story did not end in defeat. In fact, his story ended in glorious fashion with him being escorted up into Heaven in a flaming chariot. How great is that? (See 2 Kings, Chapter 2)
There you have it. If life has repeatedly knocked you in the noggin and if you have contemplated giving up, don’t. The life of no child of God ends in defeat. If you’re still here, the Lord is not through with you. Just like He did with Elijah, He still has things for you to do. If you’re down, dust yourself off, get up and start all over! Better days are just up ahead.
Memory verse for the week: (Isaiah 41:10) So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
