Ahab told Jezebel everything that Elijah had done and how he had killed all the prophets of Baal with the sword. So Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah saying, “May the gods punish me if I don’t make your life like the life of one of them by this time tomorrow!” Then Elijah became afraid and immediately ran for his life. He went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He sat down under a broom tree and prayed that he might die. He said, “I have had enough! Lord, take my life for I am no better than my fathers.” Then he lay down and slept under the broom tree. 1 Kings 19:1-5
My words…
Praise
Oh, to see what the eyes of Elijah saw! Food brought by ravens. The contest between You and the misdirected prophets of Baal. Consuming fire from Heaven. A downpour to end a three-year famine. Outrunning a chariot! What a prophet! What a life! However…even the greatest of the prophets, the one present at Christ’s transfiguration, was not immune to falling into a slump. Jezebel zapped him of his courage, and he took refuge under a tree, begging You to end his life. What a contrast. He wasn’t the only one, right Abraham, Moses, David and Peter? Sometimes I am actually encouraged that these “greats” struggled with their faith. Other times, I’m sad there wasn’t one who could have held up the banner and not let it drop. Not once. You had to come and show us, knowing it would never be duplicated again.
Prayer for me
For me, “slump” is a baseball term. All of my favorite hitters have fallen into one. Some linger longer than others. I find it frustrating that these men who are being paid a lot of money would dare fall into a slump and not move the runners around the bases. It’s their job, after all. However frustrating, I have come to expect it. You know what I mean, that’s for sure. I can’t seem to keep my faith bolstered all the time. It slips and slumps. Early in my life, I thought it happened without warning or reason. Now I know better. There’s always a reason. For me, the reason is the same baseball coaches give their players: You’ve gotten away from the basics. I pray I will rely on You to keep me from believing there is something complicated and out-of-reach that will strengthen my faith. Keep me focused on the basics: time spent with you in prayer, absorbing Your words into my spirit, and seeking out good works. The proven method.
Prayer for others
Today I pray for others who are experiencing a faith slump. Some have struggled for years to claw their way back to the way things were. I hope and pray they will use the proven method and enjoy peace once again.
Thank you
Thank you for never losing faith in me. Your faithfulness never slumps!
More praise
Even after demonstrating Your might in front of Elijah, You knew he would waiver and take refuge under a broom tree. You listened to his moaning. I can’t help but feel You were disappointed. But You didn’t grant his wish and end his life. Instead, You sent an angel, twice, to refresh him. You didn’t give up on him although it seemed he had given up on You. And in the end, You brought him to heaven in a chariot of fire!
