Many times we think of Elijah as being the mighty prophet of God who had no fear, but did you know that after God’s fire consumed the altar he made at Mount Carmel, where the false prophets of baal were defeated, that he later went and hid himself in a cave? This was after all the false prophets of baal were gathered and killed, but would he then run away into the wilderness where nobody could find him? It is because Jezebel sent a messenger to him, saying that he would be killed on the morrow. This must have hit him like a ton of bricks. He had just done an amazing miracle from God and even many people of Israel believed in God after this point, but now his life was on the line. So fear set inside of his soul because of Jezebel, who was called the prophet killer. It was then that 1“he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beersheba, which belongeth to Judah, and left his servant there. But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.” (1 Kings 19:3,4) Wow, I can just imagine how he was feeling in this difficult moment. Many doubts were filling his mind, but God still had his back. That is why 1“as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat. And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head. And he did eat and drink, and laid him down again. And the angel of the Lord came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee. And he arose, and did eat and drink, and went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God.” (1 Kings 19:5-8)
It was in this mount that Elijah witnessed the Lord God move and speak. It is said that 1“he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there; and, behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and he said unto him, What doest thou here, Elijah? And he said, I have been very jealous for the Lord God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away. And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the Lord. And, behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake: And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave.” (1 Kings 19:9-13) So he heard God speak and it was a still small voice. Not anything booming, but still piercing to his soul, nonetheless. It was then that God told him many things about his journey and where to go, along with the fact that He 1“left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him.” (1 Kings 19:18) Of which he then went and did what God said, one being to find Elisha, whom he anointed as a prophet of God. As you can see, sometimes we just need some reassurance from God about our lives and where we need to go. Then, our hope and strength are ignited once again by the Holy Spirit to do God’s will. It is my prayer that you will pray when you are down also, that God may fill you up with gladness. He knows your heart and wants to usher into your life peace.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I pray that people will always be aware that You are still for us when times are hard. Even in our darkest moments, You are able to step in and usher into our lives peace. Your comfort is one step away when we simply call upon Your Name. Yes, God, You know everything we are going through in life and ready to respond in a big way we need You. I say need You because many people have forgotten Your goodness and grace. Instead, they live their own lives and rely on other people to sustain their needs. And then when people stop showing up for them, even in their desperate moments, it is very hard for them to continue living. This is when people need to know that You are there for them. We need good Christian people to pray for these people also and to lead them to also pray for their own strength and courage. For we cannot always be there for people in their beckon needs, but You can. Even in every moment, every minute, and every second of our day, You are there for us. Surely, there is no stopping what You are able to do for us in our time of need. Lord, I know that when I am sick and tired because of an illness, You are the one that gives me the strength to continue on in life. Even a fire is lit in my soul and I am able to be a light for You in this darkened world. I know that I would not have been able to do the things I’ve accomplished if You were not carrying me in these moments. There have also been days that I have felt the fear of death, but You have given me hope in these moments also. I was down, but You resurrected my soul with gladness. I may not be able to control what happens in my life, but I do know that You are there for me in any difficult circumstance I face. These trials have no match to the love that You shine down upon me in these moments. I love You, Lord. You are so good to me. Amen.
Let us read the Bible:
Note: Any Numbered References, found above, are listed below.
