Week of November 5, 2021

“And he said, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God of hosts; because the children of Israel have forsaken your covenant, torn down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword. I alone am left; and they seek to take my life.” (1 Kings 19:14, NKJV)

The work of God can be challenging. You can give everything you have to God’s service and come away completely exhausted. The book of 1 Kings demonstrates that God had used Elijah to call down fire from heaven in a spectacular way but this great victory was soon replaced by death threats. These threats caused him to flee for his life. This turn of events left Elijah alone, exhausted and very discouraged.

Once again, God came to Elijah but this time not in a loud spectacular way but in a small and still voice. God brought him comfort in a way that only He can. The problem happened when Elijah’s focus shifted from God to that of God’s enemies. He had allowed his circumstances to overwhelm him and so God encouraged him and provided him a friend and helper in Elisha.

If you find yourself overwhelmed to the point that your focus is no longer on God but on all the circumstances and situations that surround you, retreat to a place where you can listen to the voice of God. He will encourage you and provide exactly what you need to prepare you for what comes next. He may place a friend beside you to help carry the load. God knows exactly how to encourage you so listen closely to His voice.

God Bless, Pastor Rick