Day 96
Observation
Elijah appears on the center stage of Israel's history without introduction. Acting as God's prophetic mouthpiece, he announces to wicked Ahab that Israel will have no more rain except by the prophet's word. Then Elijah leaves Israel for three years, moving at God's direction first east to the brook Cherith, then north to the city of Zarephath. In every location God provides for his needs. As the drought intensifies, Elijah returns to challenge Ahab and the prophets of Baal to contest on Mt. Carmel. In a miraculous display of fire from heaven, Jehovah proves himself the one true God, and the Queen Jezebel seeks his life, Elijah retreats to the wilderness exhausted, discouraged, and full of self-pity. There God strengthens him, restores him, and sends him forth to minster anew.
Application
Elijah was a fearless man of faith. He stood toe-to-toe with the most powerful man in Israel and announced God's judgment of drought. Three years later he delivered God's challenge to all those who worshiped Baal, called down fire from heaven, and personally dispatched the prophets of Baal!
Then suddenly, after his moment of greatest achievement for God Elijah fell victim to the Lone Ranger mentality: "only I am left" (19:10-14). Strength gave way to self-pity, doubt replaced determination and the fearless man of faith began to falter.
Have you faced a similar temptation in your own life, thinking you are the only servant of God in your neighborhood, office or school (and you may be!) and feeling sorry for yourself because of it? Then write this in Notes on your phone so you can have it with you always: "God is never without a witness, and with God I am never alone."
Then suddenly, after his moment of greatest achievement for God Elijah fell victim to the Lone Ranger mentality: "only I am left" (19:10-14). Strength gave way to self-pity, doubt replaced determination and the fearless man of faith began to falter.
Have you faced a similar temptation in your own life, thinking you are the only servant of God in your neighborhood, office or school (and you may be!) and feeling sorry for yourself because of it? Then write this in Notes on your phone so you can have it with you always: "God is never without a witness, and with God I am never alone."
Prayer
God, based on your Word today we see that you provides the divine therapy for human depression. You created us and know best how to treat our psychoses just as you did for distraught Elijah when you prescribed rest, food, exercise, solitude and a job to do in that order. We know you will do the same for us today who call on your divine intervention in times of trouble. Lord never let us doubt in the dark what you have told us in the light. In your son's Jesus name, amen!
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| God is with Us Always! |
© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2019
