Today’s Reading 1 Kings 18-20
Focal Scripture: 1 Kings 19:3-4 “Then Elijah became afraid and immediately ran for his life. When he came to Beer-sheba that belonged to Judah, he left his servant there, but he went on a day’s journey into the wilderness. He sat down under a broom tree and prayed that he might die. He said, “I have had enough! Lord, take my life, for I’m no better than my ancestors.”
Elijah gets a bad wrap often when people talk about this story. They call him weak. A man of lil faith. After all he just was involved in one of the greatest demonstrations of the Lord’s power. How can he be afraid, run away, and then ask to die?
To most people they would say he had a weak faith. However, that doesn’t add up because he was more than confident that God would burn up his sacrifice and the other prophets would get no response. So what is the deal?
Elijah didn’t view himself through God’s eyes. He was comparing himself to his ancestors which we have continually seen is not a positive comparison. They were wicked and often met destruction because of how they lived. Elijah was overwhelmed by his emotions. Thankfully, God responded with grace and demonstrated love and genuine care.
The lesson for us today is to understand that at some point we are all going to be overcome with emotion. We will experience a great victory than other people or events will attempt to crush you. That’s when the emotions will come. You will ask why. You will question and tell God you have been obedient, yet threats will come anyway. It will mess with your mind, heart and soul.
When we are in that position we must view ourselves how God does and not surrender to the threats and the emotions. The remedy for this situation is to understand a few truths.
1. People will come after you when they are unhappy with how God is using you 2. When threats and obstacles come you are more than likely in the center of God’s will for your life. 3. Rest in the Lord.
I know it is difficult to walk through a season of uncertainty and threats. However, be confident in the Lord and don’t compare yourselves to others. Be exactly who God created you to be in him.
Tomorrow I plan on reading 1 Kings 21-22
