By Michael Julian
Pastor, Macedonia Baptist Church, Kenton
Focal Passage: 1 Kings 19:1-5a,11-18
There is no need to hide from the stigma of discouragement. I say stigma because it is usually the one discouraged who places the stigma upon himself or herself. If you have ever faced a period of great discouragement, who was harder on you? You or those around you? We begin to beat ourselves up, perhaps feeling we have let too many people down. This can lead to extended periods of isolation and further discouragement. But, there is always hope. Read that last sentence again.
Meanwhile, things were looking great for Elijah. He was riding on the clouds of successive victories. God was declared to be God again. Even the drought was over. So, why are we talking about discouragement?
Michael Julian
1 Kings 19:1-5a
At this point, we probably see Elijah as a hero-like figure. Caution about such an attitude has been previously expressed. After God’s demonstration of power and superiority on Mt. Carmel, Elijah would appear to be unflappable. Enter Jezebel.
Once she learns of the events on Mt. Carmel, she begins breathing murderous threats against the prophet. Yes, she has killed other prophets. Yes, she is extremely wicked in God’s sight. But, why should Elijah fear anything from her after all that God has done for him?
Surprisingly, Elijah becomes gripped with fear and runs for the fringe of Israelite territory in the South. Not only that, he heads another day’s journey into the wilderness. His response seems out of touch with the last two chapters. He has had enough.
That’s what happens when fear and then discouragement take root. Our vision gets clouded. Elijah has been seeing the Lord’s provision and victory. He knows what Ahab and Jezebel desire, but God has delivered Elijah. So why the great discouragement?
Well, that’s the great debate isn’t it? Even in our lives. For those who have saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, we know our eternal destination. We know we have the presence of God abiding in us through the person of the Holy Spirit. We know that greater is He that is in us, than he that is in the world. And yet, discouragement finds us like an unrelenting and experienced tracker. The scent of fear or something else reaches the air, and the hunt is on. But God is greater. Exhibit courage, trust, and loyalty.
1 Kings 19:11-14
And God is going to grab the prophet’s attention. What are you doing here, Elijah? That’s not a geography question. It’s a faith question. The soft whisper of His voice would powerfully command Elijah’s attention. He needed God’s presence, and he received it. What about you?
1 Kings 19:15-18
So, God graciously deals with Elijah and calls him forward into His plan. That plan includes returning by the way he came. Jezebel still wanted him dead, but God was going to use him to further rid Israel of this cancerous Baal worship. Elijah was greatly discouraged, but God refuses to discard His prophet. And neither will God discard His servants today. Keep serving and keep moving forward in the way God has shown you. His plan will be accomplished. Take courage in His sovereignty and faithfulness. Keep serving even when discouraged. B&R
