Written By Ben Dankaka
Meditation – 1 Kings 19:9
Prophet Elijah had just achieved something remarkable. After winning a prayer contest against the prophets of Baal, Elijah had caused a strong revival in Israel. When the people of Israel saw how God responded to Elijah’s sacrifice through a fire that came from heaven, they repented. Elijah had seized that moment and ordered the killing of the prophets of Baal. Moments later, just as Elijah had prophesied, Israel had a heavy rain, after over three years of drought. It was a great victory. But just as Elijah was about to celebrate, he found himself, once again in the wilderness, when he received a death threat from his arch enemy – Jezebel. While he was running away from his beloved country, Elijah became disillusioned. He became depressed and even prayed that God would take his life. But as he rested in a cave, God asked him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”
Possibly, God asked that question because Elijah wasn’t supposed to run away from his country, even though he was threatened by Jezebel. Elijah should have had the courage to confront Jezebel. Perhaps, you’ve found yourself in a similar situation; you’ve spent your time and energy on a cause. And after doing so much, you expected your life to change for good. But instead of honor and recognition, you’ve been rejected and misunderstood by many. You are now at a point where you are beginning to doubt and question your convictions. Or are you that person who has been doing God’s work? Even after doing a lot, you are still surrounded by challenges. So you are wondering if God is still with you or not. Unless if God tells you to quit, stay there. Oftentimes, God wants us to confront challenges, not to run from it. With God, you will triumph.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, give me the strength to overcome. Amen.
REFERENCES/FURTHER STUDY: 1 Kings 18:38-46; 19:1-9
Unless otherwise stated all scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version.