In the message “The Lord is God – Follow Him” we saw how Elijah was used to demonstrate God’s power and call the people of Israel back to a life of worship. Elijah witnessed the miraculous and unequaled power of God as he prayed during his confrontation with the 450 prophets of Baal; “The fire of the Lord fell and burned up the sacrifice, … and also licked up the water in the trench” (1 Kings 18:38).
After this unquestioned answer to prayer, Elijah climbed to the top of Mount Carmel and prayed for rain; there had not been rain in the land for three years. Once again, Elijah witnessed the miraculous hand of God; “The sky grew black with clouds, the wind rose and a heavy rain came” (1 Kings 18:45). But within a few days of these great spiritual victories, Queen Jezebel vowed to have Elijah killed. As soon as Elijah heard of the Queen’s threat, he became afraid and ran for his life into the desert.
1 Kings 19:4
“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.'”
Elijah was a man who spoke directly with God and clearly witnessed His awesome power; yet, he fell into great despair when faced with this new adversity. Elijah experienced a wonderful victory, but it was quickly shattered.
What caused Elijah to become so discouraged? Had he already forgotten God’s power? Had a few victories caused him to take his eyes off God and begin to rely on his own strength? Or was he just worn out from being on the front line of ministry? Whatever the cause, in his moment of greatest victory Elijah became the most vulnerable to attack and failure; “I have had enough, Lord.”
When life is a struggle, we must pray and “trust in the Lord with all our heart” (Proverbs 3:5). When life is running smooth, we must pray harder and trust even more. But when we experience victory and dance on top of the mountain – when we begin to feel strong and “self” assured – we must pray as if our very life depended on it and lean on the Lord as never before. Our moments of greatest vulnerability to enemy attack come when we begin to think we no longer require God’s help. After the mountaintop the broom tree is closer than we might think.
Lord, remind us of our need! ALL we accomplish is through the strength of Christ; “apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). And as His promises are fulfilled in our lives, we must continue to walk daily by faith. Let’s keep our eyes on Jesus and reclaim the life of dependent devotion. Let’s remain in His presence and always guard against a fragile victory.
Have a Christ Centered Day!
Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries
**** Reading Plan ****
Mar 23 Num.-Deut 36:1-1:46; Luke 5:29-6:11; Psalm 66:1-20; Proverbs 11:24-26
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