I preached my heart out yesterday! It was a sermon on the coming Judgment, not a favorite topic of mine. That kind of preaching makes demands - emotionally, spiritually, even physically - that I do not completely understand, but I feel the result: Exhaustion. The next day, I am vulnerable to feelings of worthlessness and/or discouragement. In those moments, I know how easily I could slip into the "Elijah" complex. What is that?
Elijah, God's faithful man in Israel during a terribly evil time, stood up to an evil duo that ruled at the time, Ahab and Jezebel. They tried to thwart his work and even take his life! God gave Elijah the dubious honor of announcing judgment! God told him to tell the nation that they were facing a long drought. Many suffered and died during that time. This man of God was not an admired figure. People hated him. Finally, after years of struggle and maximum effort, Elijah ran away! Alone under a tree in the wilderness, he sighed, "I have had enough, Lord. Take my life." (1 Kings 19.4)
The prophet traveled deep into wilds, ending up in a cave. There we catch a glimpse of his discouragement and fatigue as we listen in on his prayerful lament: "I have zealously served the Lord God Almighty. But the people of Israel have broken their covenant with you, torn down your altars, and killed every one of your prophets. I alone am left, and now they are trying to kill me, too." (1 Kings 19:10)
Can you identify with his heart? Have you ever poured yourself into some great effort for the Lord, or put your heart into something only to descend into discouragement when it was over: overwhelmed by feelings of isolation, futility, or hopelessness?
Here's the good news! God didn't kick him while he was down. God didn't say, "Well, what a weakling my prophet turned out to be. I'll just let him die and find someone else to do my work." The Lord showed up to restore Elijah! It's a dramatic scene! The mountain where Elijah was holed up was torn by a powerful wind, then shaken by an earthquake. After that, a blaze of fire swept the face of the mountain. The prophet discerned that God's Presence was not in the BIG, NOISY, and IMPRESSIVE displays!
Then came a gentle whisper- God's revelation of Himself. The prophet was reminded that he was not alone. "There are 7000 in Israel who have not joined the idol worshippers!" And, he was directed to go find Elisha and start to mentor him. Today the Spirit whispers to me: "'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty." (Zechariah 4:6) I'd love to have my work validated by all the marks of success, but that may not happen. Faithfulness is enough!
As people under the command of Another, we must be faithful and entrust the results to our Lord, who by the Spirit and truth of His eternal Word, will bring about His plans in His time.
Have you given your best and came up 'way short of what you hoped for in terms of results? Does it seem that God has 'failed' you? There is no sin in feeling disappointment or even in asking questions. But, if you do, make sure you listen for the answer. Likely God's answer to you will come in a quiet whisper that calls for you to set aside your demands for immediate results and faithfulness to wait out His purposes. You are NOT alone! Stay involved with those who love you and share your love of God.
And hear this Word that assures us that HE knows what's up, even when we do not. . . Romans 8:25-26 -- The Message
Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God's Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don't know how or what to pray, it doesn't matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That's why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.
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Sometimes I feel discouraged,
And think my life in vain.
I'm tempted then to murmur,
And of my lot complain.
But when I think of Jesus,
And all He's done for me,
Then I cry, O Rock of Ages,
Hide Thou me.
O Rock of Ages, hide Thou me.
No other refuge have I but Thee.
When life's dark vale I wander,
Far, far from Thee.
Then I cry, O Rock of Ages,
Hide Thou me.
Sometimes it seems I dare not,
Go one step farther on.
And from my heart all courage
Has slipped away and gone.
But I remember Jesus,
And all His love for me.
Then I cry, O Rock of Ages
Hide Thou me.
Hide Thou Me
Thoro Harris © 1926. Renewed 1953 Singspiration Music (Admin. by Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing, Inc., 741 Coolsprings Blvd., Franklin TN 37067)CCLI License No. 810055
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