Finding the Light in SuicideSample

DAY 2

ELIJAH ASKS FOR DEATH

Welcome back! Today is day two of our difficult topic this week as we learn about Elijah's life, and I want to thank you for coming back. I know in the depths of darkness, it takes effort to come back, even for three minutes of your day.

Yesterday, we learned Elijah had just won a great battle. Our God provided the fire in a challenge against 450 Baal prophets. However, Elijah’s victory is short-lived. Ahab and Queen Jezebel from the northern Kingdom of Israel were not impressed by Elijah’s so-called trickery. Therefore, they set out to have him killed, and Elijah runs for his life.

Today we will read verses 3-5 of 1 Kings 19:

3 Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, 4 while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” 5 Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep.

After this great victory Elijah had won, he was unable to celebrate. Instead of a miracle from God, it was believed he had tricked the crowds, and now Elijah’s life was in danger. He was running and falling into that darkness you might have personal experience with—the darkness we can see creeping in as Elijah withdrew by himself.

He ordered his servant to stay in town as he traveled another day’s length away into the wilderness of all places.

He did not go to the comfort of his home or somewhere else familiar, but he went to the wilderness ALONE.

That darkness fell over him, and he prayed for death. Elijah does not stand up in the power God had just worked through him. He was fearful, feeling defeated, probably frustrated and depleted. He was pleading with God to end it all, and Elijah fell asleep, hoping he would not wake up.

Perhaps you are familiar with Elijah’s emotions. Tomorrow we are going to see God react to Elijah’s request.

For now, I leave you wondering how God would let one of His greatest prophets, someone who honored Him so faithfully, enter such darkness.

I know this is a painful journey, but you will overcome. I’ll see you tomorrow as we walk through it together.

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