Wana appElijah. Man of Courage, Man of Faith, Man of God.Chikamu
Elijah's strength and faith collapse
As soon as Queen Jezebel hears what has happened to her Baal prophets, she sends a threatening message to Elijah. She is determined to kill him! When Elijah hears this, he collapses. He flees 200 kilometers south and a day's journey into the desert, he despairs and asks God to let him die. This prophet, who stood up in front of the king and the whole people against 850 idol priests, now hides under a broom tree, frightened and hopeless.
There is more going on here than mental exhaustion after an impressive event. Elijah forgets to trust in God. He looks at human circumstances and threats, not at his almighty Lord.
The same thing happens to the apostle Peter centuries later. At Jesus' invitation, he walks on water, but as soon as he looks at the wind and waves around him, he begins to sink. He needs Jesus to grab him by the hand and take him to the boat.
Elijah is on the wrong track here. He has lost his way spiritually. He fled for his life, but now he only wants to give up and die.
Do you ever find yourself completely down in the dumps? What do you do then?
Zvinechekuita neHurongwa uhu
The Bible is full of stories about people who try to live to God's glory - with ups and downs. Elijah is such a man. He is a prophet who serves God wholeheartedly, but is also prone to despondency and depression. He confronts the king fearlessly, but flees from the queen. And in all this, God continues to care for His servant.
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