“But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers” (1 Kings 19:4).
TEXT — 1 Kings 19:1-8
Message
Some people think that the prize for success is more accomplishments. But in spiritual work, it is not usually so. While success draws the approval of God and acceptance of the people, it also attracts the envy, animosity, and attack of the devil. It makes the enemy intensify his plots to stall the work of God.
Prophet Elijah was confronted with this reality soon after recording two striking successes in Israel. First, the Lord approved his ministry by spectacularly answering his prayers for Israel’s return to the worship of the true God. Then, the Lord again honoured His prophet by sending down heavy rainfall to mark the end of three years of intense drought and famine in the land of Israel. But while Israel rejoiced, Jezebel, the wife of King Ahab, rose with a threat to kill Elijah as he had done to the prophets of Baal.
In desperation for safety, Elijah fled to Judah, where he left his servant, before going into hiding and pleading with God to take his life. He was hungry and soon fell asleep under a tree. He was awakened by an angel who served him a freshly baked cake and refreshing water. He ate and fell asleep again, only to be awakened by the angel a second time, who provided more food, saying, “the journey (ahead) is too great for thee.” This double diet was sufficient to keep him going for forty days and forty nights, during which he travelled to Horeb, the Mount of God, where Moses got the commandments from the Lord for Israel.
Believers must not underestimate the opposition they face from the devil, especially after successful outreaches that lead to souls being saved and names entering the book of life. The devil is flustered by these successes and will fight back, trying to discourage believers from their mission of soul-winning. However, faith in God’s promises can carry believers through, ensuring that they will ultimately dwell in eternity with light and glory, like Elijah, Moses, and Jesus. Stay strong and do not yield to despair while serving the Lord.
Thought for the day
When you feel tempted to give up the fight, never forget that God’s plan for your life is not over yet.
Listed among “500 most powerful people on the planet” by the Foreign Policy magazine in 2013, Pastor (Dr.) William F. Kumuyi is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM) headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. DCLM started in 1973 as a 15-member Bible study group right in Kumuyi’s apartment at University of Lagos where he was a lecturer. His revolutionary Bible teaching on personal holiness and commitment to evangelism soon gained so much traction and resulted in a widespread revival.
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