As we continue with the Gospel story we are reminded that that no matter how great a man or woman of God is they are still human. 1 Kings 19 shows us that Elijah is tired, he’s dejected, he feels all alone, and he is ready to give up and ultimately it is in this place that God visits him.
Though we are sometimes tempted to give up in difficult circumstances, God has not left us alone.
There may have been times where we’ve been disheartened due to unforeseen circumstances, temporarily losing our confidence. Our expectations haven’t been met, leading us to a low point. We experience a sense of gloom overshadowing our mood, and we find ourselves in the throes of this discouraging outlook. This is typically the direct, outward trigger for feelings of despondency, letdowns, and unforeseen outcomes.
Sometimes God works through huge miracles, and other times He comes in a small whisper. Despite God’s immense power, His presence frequently manifests in a tender, affectionate manner. Just as He did with Elijah, He desires to connect with you in your individual sphere. The profound meaning lies in God choosing to meet with Elijah privately, symbolized by His appearance in a gentle whisper.
Elijah’s story also displays God’s consistent mercy and grace, even in the midst of rebellion.
Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done and how he had slain all the prophets [of Baal] with the sword. 2 Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not your life as the life of one of them by this time tomorrow. 3 Then he was afraid and arose and went for his life and came to Beersheba of Judah [over eighty miles, and out of Jezebel’s realm] and left his servant there. 4 But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a lone broom or juniper tree and asked that he might die. He said, It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life; for I am no better than my fathers. 5 As he lay asleep under the broom or juniper tree, behold, an angel touched him and said to him, Arise and eat. 6 He looked, and behold, there was a cake baked on the coals, and a bottle of water at his head. And he ate and drank and lay down again. 7 The angel of the Lord came the second time and touched him and said, Arise and eat, for the journey is too great for you. 8 So he arose and ate and drank, and went in the strength of that food forty days and nights to Horeb, the mount of God.
1 King 19:1-8 AMPC
Sometimes the most spiritual thing a person can do is get enough rest and replenishment. A significant portion of Elijah’s struggle stemmed from his sheer physical exhaustion. He required a restful night’s sleep and a hearty meal. Often, when we grapple with feelings of despondency and gloom, the initial remedy is precisely this – ensuring we get a proper night’s rest.
9 There he came to a cave and lodged in it; and behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and He said to him, What are you doing here, Elijah? 10 He replied, I have been very jealous for the Lord God of hosts; for the Israelites have forsaken Your covenant, thrown down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. And I, I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.
1 Kings 19:9-10 AMPC
Discouraging times make God’s servants feel more isolated and alone than they actually are.
When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And a voice said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”
1 King 19:13 NLT
We often look for God in the spectacular, but most often He is in the simple. God’s message to Elijah is His message to you. He is in the quiet moments of change, the waiting, and yes, even the disappointment.
Our breakthroughs are not always spectacular, but they are always supernatural. Elijah’s experience encourages us to be attentive to the subtle signs and quiet promptings that may lead us towards our own breakthroughs. It reminds us that God’s hand is constantly at work in our lives, orchestrating events and providing guidance, even when we may not immediately recognise it.
14 He replied again, “I have zealously served the Lord God Almighty. But the people of Israel have broken their covenant with you, torn down your altars, and killed every one of your prophets. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me, too.” 15 Then the Lord told him, “Go back the same way you came, and travel to the wilderness of Damascus. When you arrive there, anoint Hazael to be king of Aram.
1 Kings 19:14-15 NLT
3 Principles to overcoming difficulty
- Pause, rest, eat – Elijah, weary and disheartened, paused under a broom tree. In our battles, it’s essential to recognize the power of self-care. Take a moment to rest, refuel, and nourish your soul.
- Draw close to God and list for His voice – Elijah found solace in a gentle whisper of God’s voice. Draw near to Him through prayer, meditation, and reflection. Listen for His guidance, for in His whispers, you’ll find wisdom and direction.
- Get up and do what He tells you to do – Elijah’s obedience to God’s instructions led to miracles. When you hear His call, have faith, and take action. God equips us for every challenge; it’s up to us to step out in faith and make a difference.
