There's no question that we live in fast-moving, even perilous times. So many Spirit-filled Christians today spend a lot of time grieving over rampant sin, political corruption and the looming debt shadow that stretches over our land. You pray, seek God, fast and yet it appears as if nothing changes. Our generation is not the first to feel spiritually discouraged. After many contentious encounters with Jezebel and Ahab, Elijah, God's great prophet, also succumbed to fear and despair.
When hearing that he was on Jezebel's "Most Wanted" list he spiritually crumbled. Motivated by self-preservation he fled the scene, convincing himself that he could no longer affect change. He quit. He prayed to God, "I have had enough, LORD," he said. "Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors." 1 Kings 19:4
He found shelter under a Juniper tree, lay down in the dirt and waited to die. Instead of death, he was given rest. Instead of hunger, God sent an angel to make a heavenly cake for him and nourish him with cool, clear water. Twice, Elijah enjoyed this heavenly meal.
After God gave physical refreshment to Elijah He began His work refreshing His prophet's spirit. Elijah followed the angel's instructions and took the 40 day journey to the Mountain of God. When he got there, he found a cave to hide. Instead of death, Elijah heard the voice of God inviting the tired prophet to "spill the beans." Here the truth tumbled out, "He replied, 'I have been very zealous for the LORD God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too."
Glorious things occurred after Elijah's confession. A holy encounter with God rekindled the fire within him and he was given these instructions, "Go back the way you came..." Discouragement, fear of the future, self-pity led this precious man off his path.
Climb back up on the wall! Stand the ground you've been assigned! Get out from under the Juniper tree. It's time for a heavenly encounter. You'll be refreshed and renewed. When God's renewal in you is complete, "Go back the way you came..." Your assignment is not complete!
The best is yet to come!
M. Bullock
When hearing that he was on Jezebel's "Most Wanted" list he spiritually crumbled. Motivated by self-preservation he fled the scene, convincing himself that he could no longer affect change. He quit. He prayed to God, "I have had enough, LORD," he said. "Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors." 1 Kings 19:4
He found shelter under a Juniper tree, lay down in the dirt and waited to die. Instead of death, he was given rest. Instead of hunger, God sent an angel to make a heavenly cake for him and nourish him with cool, clear water. Twice, Elijah enjoyed this heavenly meal.
After God gave physical refreshment to Elijah He began His work refreshing His prophet's spirit. Elijah followed the angel's instructions and took the 40 day journey to the Mountain of God. When he got there, he found a cave to hide. Instead of death, Elijah heard the voice of God inviting the tired prophet to "spill the beans." Here the truth tumbled out, "He replied, 'I have been very zealous for the LORD God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too."
Glorious things occurred after Elijah's confession. A holy encounter with God rekindled the fire within him and he was given these instructions, "Go back the way you came..." Discouragement, fear of the future, self-pity led this precious man off his path.
Climb back up on the wall! Stand the ground you've been assigned! Get out from under the Juniper tree. It's time for a heavenly encounter. You'll be refreshed and renewed. When God's renewal in you is complete, "Go back the way you came..." Your assignment is not complete!
The best is yet to come!
M. Bullock
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