Elijah: Headed in the right direction...
As God continues in this month to reveal His plan for us and how to focus on it even in tough times; we can also draw lessons from one of the overcomers, prophet Elijah in 1 Kings 19:1-18.Events in this text happened after Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal, defeated and killed them at Mount Carmel. When Jezebel learnt about it, she sought to kill him. Elijah was terrified and ran for his dear life. The exciting thing about his flight which becomes our first lesson in this passage is that Elijah ran to Horeb (Mount Sinai) which was called the mountain of God. When faced with challenges in this life as Christians we usually react differently. Despite our reactions to the challenge(s), it is best to first consider going straight to the Author and Sustainer of our faith, the Triune God. God is always ready to help us in all circumstances.
The decision of running to the mountain of God made God to sustain Elijah all the way. As Elijah was going to Horeb, he became hungry and tired that he was longing to die. God was ready to restore his strength through food which came with an angel. When faced with challenges as Christians, we are so drained spiritually such that it becomes difficult to go on with our faith. At this point in life, many have abandoned their faith, some committed suicide and others fell into depression. This happens because people are not ready to listen to what God is saying. Dear friends, God is always ready with His spiritual food (His Word) to feed our spiritual being. Just like food which gives our bodies strength to go on, it is the same with the Word of God to our spiritual being. The Word nourishes our faith that it becomes strong and be able to face any challenges and become overcomers.
Challenges causes despair and in such state one needs an ear and someone to give solutions. God is ready to do that to His children. When Elijah was at Horeb, God listened to him and told him what to do. Friends, is there any amongst us who is stuck and terrified with problems? Seek God's help through prayer and consultation. Our God who is all-knowing and present everywhere will help you.
Like Elijah, we need to go to Him, hold His hand and talk to Him always. For His mercies endures forever.
God bless you!
| Now Ahab told Jezebel everything Elijah had done and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. 2 So Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah to say, "May the gods deal with me, be it ever so severely, if by this time tomorrow I do not make your life like that of one of them." 3 Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, 4 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." 5 Then he lay down under the tree and fell asleep. All at once an angel touched him and said, "Get up and eat." 6 He looked around, and there by his head was a cake of bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again. 7 The angel of the LORD came back a second time and touched him and said, "Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you." 8 So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God. 9 There he went into a cave and spent the night. And the word of the LORD came to him: "What are you doing here, Elijah?" 10 He replied, "I have been very zealous for the LORD God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too." 11 The LORD said, "Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by." Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. 12 After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. 13 When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a voice said to him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" 14 He replied, "I have been very zealous for the LORD God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too." 15 The LORD said to him, "Go back the way you came, and go to the Desert of Damascus. When you get there, anoint Hazael king over Aram. 16 Also, anoint Jehu son of Nimshi king over Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel Meholah to succeed you as prophet. 17 Jehu will put to death any who escape the sword of Hazael, and Elisha will put to death any who escape the sword of Jehu. 18 Yet I reserve seven thousand in Israel--all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and all whose mouths have not kissed him." (1Kings19:1-18) |
Faresy Sakala, wife to Misheck, mother to Robson, Rose and Ronald and a minister at Trinity -- Gweru Presbyterian Church. My Trust Is In Christ
