Then the fire of the LORD fell and burned up the
sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also licked up the water in
the trench. When all the people saw this, they fell prostrate and cried,"The
LORD–he is God! The LORD–he is God!" 1 Kings 18:38-39 NIV
* * *
Elijah's eight recorded miracles are among the most
spectacular in the Bible–Elijah prayed, and God answered–but not long after his
courageous contest with the prophets of Baal, a threat by Jezebel sent him into
deep depression. In his despondency, Elijah believed that he was all alone in
his faith. "I have had enough, LORD," he said. "Take my life–” (1 Kings
19:4)
* * *
Eventually after forty days of running, and several miraculous
signs, God spoke to Elijah in a still small voice saying; “I have reserved
seven thousand in Israel, all whose knees have not bowed to Baal, and every
mouth that has not kissed him." (19:18)
It is human nature to be
depressed when we are exhausted–or have had a major victory–followed by down
time. Like Elijah, we often need to hear the still small voice of the Holy
Spirit assuring our hearts.
* * *
Lord, help me to turn to You when I feel like I am standing
alone in a worldly culture. I want to be true to You, no matter how tired or
discouraged I am. Help me to trust You for the strength I need to be
faithful.
* * *
"The LORD is my strength and my shield; My heart trusted
in Him, and I am helped. " Psalm 28:7
1 comment:
That is my favorite Bible story - Elijah on the mountain with the prophets of Baal. Such a demonstration of the power of God! Interesting that Elijah would fall into such depression following that great victory. Very true of human nature though. We shamefully tend to be very short-sighted creatures.
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