Elijah - Friday Praise & Pray (for others) November 5, 2021

Prophet Elijah has a fascinating story. He rebuked King Ahab to his face (1 Kings 18:18). With prayer, he kept his nation in a drought for three years (1 Kings 17:1). He prayed and God answered by fire to prove that idols could never have the power of the Lord (1 Kings 18:30-38). Elijah prayed to release the rain, and outran a royal chariot - all with the power of God (1 Kings 18:42-46).

Yet, when he heard that Ahab's queen, Jezebel, had threatened to kill him, Elijah - that mighty prophet through whom the Lord had done great and incredible things - ran into the wilderness. 1 Kings 19:3 states, Elijah was afraid and ran for his life.

I've always wondered why. How could someone with such a close relationship to God, who'd raised the dead (1 Kings 17:17-24), be afraid of a human being? Now, to be fair, Jezebel had murdered several of God's prophets. In fact, only 100 remained and they were hiding in caves. Despite that, I still couldn't understand why her threat would make a great servant of God react as Elijah did. However, the more I read, the more I gained understanding and I thank the Lord for this kindness.

The answer is fear. Fear is a spirit according to 2 Timothy 1:7. It robs us of our faith and frankly, our sense. Jezebel's threat made Elijah forget how strong he was in the Lord. He cowered under her murderous designs and even prayed to die, saying in 1 Kings 19:4 “I have had enough, Lord,” and “Take my life..."

I understand now that I've been too critical of Elijah. Yes, his fear sent him running but thank God it didn't send him to satan. Instead, it sent him into a place devoid of people, that was bare and quiet. The result was he found God there.

In the midst of Elijah's fear and depression, the Lord sent an angel to feed him and allowed him to rest (1 Kings 18:7-9). Then, He sent him further into the desert and away from his would-be attackers. Once, Elijah settled into a cave on Mount Horeb - and was arguably calmer and more rational - God spoke to His prophet. He showed him His power and reminded His servant of the God he served (1 Kings 18:11-13). Then, He sent Elijah back with instructions, and a renewed zeal. Elijah became the man who looked upon over 100 soldiers and called down fire to burn them to a crisp all because they came at him wrong (2 Kings 1).

As believers in God, we don't want to admit that we face fear but we do. It is a weapon the devil uses against the children of God, even those whose service to God comes with exploits to His glory. Elijah is a prime example. He also teaches us not to allow our fear to make us compromise and yield to the devil. He could have taken matters into his own hands and begged Jezebel for his life. Instead, he ran into the wilderness, put himself at the Lord's mercy, and was renewed. Never forget - even when he was afraid, God didn't reject Elijah. All Elijah needed was some food, some rest, distance from Jezebel, and the voice of the Lord to gain a new perspective.

Let us put the devil to shame by casting our burdens unto the Lord, holding on to His word and the faith we have - no matter how small it may seem. As He did with Elijah, so also will the Lord hear our cries, feed us, give us rest, and empower us to continue to serve Him despite what satan throws at us, IJMN, Amen.

See you at Noon EST for Praise & Pray (for others).