March 27 - I Kings 19,20
For many years people have wondered how Elijah could win such a victory against hundreds of pagan prophets, and then almost immediately afterward, he could run from the threat of one woman. What happened to bring this change? I believe it had to do with his physical fatigue after running over fifteen miles back to Jezreel. The Bible says he even arrived ahead of Ahab's chariot. (18:46) We must be careful, even when the hand of the Lord is upon us and we are doing His will that we do not allow our physical body to wear down, because it has an effect on our spirit. In Elijah's weakened condition he allowed fear to grip him, and I believe there are signs that depression set in. He ran for his life in fear, and he wanted to die. People who are depressed think about dying or committing suicide. He slept, and God had to sent an angel to feed him. He thought he was the only faithful one left. When we are depressed we feel things are hopeless. This is Satan's lie to us. We buy into that lie, and it takes away our energy and our desire to live. We must not let this happen by guarding our physical condition and by spending our time with God so He can show us that there is always hope with Him.
Did you notice what God told Elijah through the still small voice? He told him to go back to serving him and to get a helper, Elisha. To come out of depression we need to remain active and around people. Also, we need encouragement from a close friend or family member. That is exactly what God told Elijah here, and it worked. Don't let depression cause you to cut yourself off from others. Find a prayer partner and work through what is causing you to be depressed with God's help.
Then, we see God sending two victories to the evil king, Ahab. Why would God do that? God wanted to show Ahab and Israel that He was the only true God. He also needed to punish the Syrians at this point, so he used Ahab to do His will. Please, notice that God can even use a person who does not believe in Him to do His will. However, Ahab does not fully carry out God's will, so he receives God's punishment, too. He was merciful instead of killing the king of Syria. In God's will there is a place for mercy and a place for judgment. We must not get them confused. When God says it is time for judgment, we must obey Him.
I hope you and your family have a wonderful Easter celebration today as Christians around the world remember the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. He is Lord!
Tomorrow, I intend to read I Kings 21,22.
Did you notice what God told Elijah through the still small voice? He told him to go back to serving him and to get a helper, Elisha. To come out of depression we need to remain active and around people. Also, we need encouragement from a close friend or family member. That is exactly what God told Elijah here, and it worked. Don't let depression cause you to cut yourself off from others. Find a prayer partner and work through what is causing you to be depressed with God's help.
Then, we see God sending two victories to the evil king, Ahab. Why would God do that? God wanted to show Ahab and Israel that He was the only true God. He also needed to punish the Syrians at this point, so he used Ahab to do His will. Please, notice that God can even use a person who does not believe in Him to do His will. However, Ahab does not fully carry out God's will, so he receives God's punishment, too. He was merciful instead of killing the king of Syria. In God's will there is a place for mercy and a place for judgment. We must not get them confused. When God says it is time for judgment, we must obey Him.
I hope you and your family have a wonderful Easter celebration today as Christians around the world remember the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. He is Lord!
Tomorrow, I intend to read I Kings 21,22.