September 9 No Rest

1 Kings 19:1-3 Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. 2 Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, "So may the gods do to me and more also, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by this time tomorrow." 3 Then he was afraid, and he arose and ran for his life and came to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there.

ELIJAH has been on a deliberate faith journey toward a powerfully intimate relationship with the Lord God. In 1 Kings 17-18, we have witnessed six ways God has protected Elijah from harm and given to Elijah a great victory over sin in Israel. But now, faced with Jezebel's hateful promise to destroy him, Elijah retreats.

           What's happened? Has Elijah suddenly lost his faith in God? How can a man so powerfully anointed to do God's work quit his work so quickly? On our journey through 1 Kings 19, we will see Elijah, anointed with superhuman power, come to a point in his life when he struggles in his humanity. As all of us do, this highly regarded prophet sinned. Perhaps he thinks the Lord has used up his ability to protect Elijah. Maybe Elijah is emotionally tired from the stress of battle. Likely, he's just plain afraid of Jezebel's passionate promise to kill him. Surely he took his eyes from God and stared too intently into the evil menace.

           Oh, how easy it is to be afraid. People and circumstances catch us off guard. They quickly threaten our peace and faith. We cast doubt toward God, wondering "Are you there, Lord? Will you be there tomorrow, Lord? I know you said you'd stand by me, but will you really, God? Can I truly put my hope and peace in you?" When things go wrong, our sin nature too often directs us to look the wrong way.

           What threatens you today? Cast your eyes away from your trouble and onto the Lord God. If you have struggled for some time with an issue, gaze even more intently toward the Lord. Seek his face. Get close to him. Pray with a good friend. Read his Scripture. Find good recordings of the Bible and listen to the spoken Word. Listen to Christ-centered music. One suggestion is a song "In Your Presence" sung by Paul Wilbur. Find peace, hope and strength in God's presence.

           Walk with God. Elijah is not a good example here. He wants run and hide. God has more for him to do. The same is true for you.

Prayer: My Father in Heaven, give me faith to find peace in your presence. I put my hand in yours to walk with you. In Jesus' name, amen.