#DailyDevotion When You Despair Of Yourself The Lord’s Word Will Strengthen You
1 Kings 19: 1 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. 4 But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he asked that he might die, saying, “It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers.” 5 And he lay down and slept under a broom tree.
You would probably think this is strange or at least you should. Elijah had just called upon the Lord to answer his prayer for the sacrifice and the Lord had answered. Elijah had all the false prophets of Baal killed as was right in Israel. And now with the threat of the queen he is afraid for his life. How is that?
Elijah ran for his life and went into the wilderness. After about a day he takes rest and tells the Lord that he is ready to die for he isn’t any better than his fathers. How can this be? He just called down fire from the sky (or rather the Lord heard his prayer). Why is he afraid of this little queen’s threat? Did he forget who is God the Lord? Did he forget the Lord was with him? It sure seems so.
Yet before we start harping on Elijah, how often have we done the same thing? How often have we had some great victory with the Lord’s help and then with the next moment some other struggle comes along and threatens us. Then we cower under the new threat. How is that? Did we forget who is the Lord our God? Did we forget the Lord Jesus Christ who sits at the right hand of God is for us and with us? We, yes, just as much as the prophet Elijah did.
The Lord though did not give up on Elijah and he will not give up on you. He might not send you some angelic being to help you but he will send you a messenger with a word of comfort and strength. It could be your pastor or a fellow congregation member. It could be a member of your family or some other Christian. But the Lord will never abandon you or forsake you. Even if no one ever comes, he has given you the Holy Spirit who will remind you of his promises and will strengthen you. Don’t beat up on yourselves too badly when you find you are weak. God’s power is made perfect in weakness. When we cease relying on our own power and strength then we are more open to relying on God’s.
Heavenly Father, in the midst of all our trials and tribulations ever remind us of your promises and send forth your people to speak your good word to us. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.