1 Kings 19:1-18
One of my favorite Old Testament stories is the dual between Elijah and the prophets of Baal (see 1 Kings 18). It was a total rout that ended in the slaying of all the prophets of Baal, an amazing victory that only God could have orchestrated and accomplished through Elijah. It's right after these events that our reading for today picks up. Jezebel has just been informed that the prophets of Baal have been defeated and put to death. She is FURIOUS and sends a message to Elijah threatening his life. Then, Elijah panics. So what's up with that do you think? Just a few verses earlier Elijah is confident, bold and on fire for the Lord (no pun intended). Now Elijah is scared, he's depressed and he's on the run acting defeated.
Many times our biggest falls come immediately after a spiritual success or victory. With that in mind, what are some things we can do while we're experiencing the success to help us avoid falling off the mountaintop? Tami W.
This also reminds me of Romans 7:21 which says, "I find then this law, that when I wish to do good, evil is present with me."
Very thought provoking. Thanks, Tami.
Tami, I have noticed that this is so true. Every time I "recommit" myself to the Lord by repenting and praying, reading my Bible, etc., that's when something will happen that kind of shakes me up. I guess what we could do while we are experiencing the success is to remember to pray for strength for times such as those that Elijah was going through. I guess I need to listen to my own advice!
Two of the postures that I believe will help us is first the posture of humility and secondly acknowledgement. We need to always be humble before God and also before man. When we get too caught up in our own "goodness" we believe more than we are able by ourselves to do and fall flat on our faces at the first sign of adversity. If we also acknowledge that the power is all from God then we will always have a ready "ally" when danger approaches and so we do not have to flee like Elijah as there is an ever present help available to us, even in the wind.
it is kind of hard to guess on this one . elijah may have been weak from the adrenaline rush that may have occurred . he is human and an event like that even though the Lord is doing the work would drain him . mostly, i think, he failed to see that he wasn't the only person that was still for the Lord . he made the statement , " i am the only one left". but the Lord told him there are 7000 more . we need The Lord first and formost but we need each other as believers too. we need to seek renewal of our spiritual strength quickly after mountain top experiences and stay away from being loners .
We have to remember that Elijah was human and humans have a tendency to either feel victorious or deflated after winning a battle. I believe Elijah felt good after showing the people that God is the True and One God; but after receiving the threat on his life from Jezebel he became fearful for His life. Even though God had been with Him all the way I believe he was now concentrating on himself and not His Deliverer. He forgot to call on His God for protection from Jezebel.
I think in life we always have to keep our focus on God that He will never leave us nor forsake us and therefore we have to continue to keep in His Word, pray and ask Him for guidance. We can never hide from God He knows where we plan to go even before we decide to go there. We must trust Him all the time not just when we are in danger. Psalm 139:7-10 " Where can I go from Your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, You are there; if I make my bed in the depths, You are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there Your hand will guide me, Your right hand will hold me fast"(NIV).
I think situational awareness is helpful. We need to understand that we have to get right back into daily life with all the ups and downs. If we sort of prepare and keep our guard up (by staying in prayer and Bible study) that helps.
I will highlight here Joan R's second paragraph to remember psalm 139 and hide in Him when these circumstances come - they may lead us to victory and sometimes sin when we're not under His cover.