Elijah's Battle with Fear

1 Kings 18:41–19:18


After the events on Carmel that day when all the false prophets were slain,
Elijah got on his face before God and asked Him to send the rain.
The sky grew black with heavy clouds; rain fell from a heavenly fountain.
Elijah ran faster than Ahab’s chariot racing down the mountain.

Now Ahab was a mouse of a king married to a very strong queen.
He told how her priests had died and all that he had seen.
Jezebel was hostile, filled with fury. She sent a message to Eli:
“I’m coming for you, you miserable prophet. This time tomorrow you die.”

Elijah was frightened and ran for his life. Into the wilderness he went.
He came to a tree and stopped to pray, his energy and confidence spent.
“Oh God,” he said, “I’ve had enough. Please just let me die?
I’m no better than all before me. Oh God hear my cry.”

He lay down and fell asleep, was awakened by a strange touch.
The angel of the Lord was there to feed him just enough.
Then he awoke a second time, was strengthened for the flight.
He continued his way to Mount Horeb forty days and forty nights.

When he arrived at the Mount of God, he took shelter in a cave.
He knew he should not have run away afraid of an early grave.
He had forgotten the power of God as though He could not save.
Alone he lay, wallowing in pity, making excuses that day.

“I have been zealous for you, O God. There’s no one to serve but me.”
God whispered back, “No, Elijah. Here’s a fact I want you to see:
There’s seven thousand in the land who have not bowed to Baal.
Gt up, go forth and gather Elisha to walk with you on the trail.”

This was not the end of Elijah. It’s an important fact to know.
God is the God of the second chance. Through our failures we can grow.
Elisha grew in wisdom and power, a worthy successor and friend.
When God swooped down with a fiery chariot, he saw Elijah ascend.

Here is a truth we should not forget. Let’s hold it dear to our heart.
God, who calls us to each task, will be with us when trouble starts.
When trials come we must be strong fulfilling the whole of our mission.
We must rely on His great power when faced with opposition.

Whatever years and ministry is left, I have but one main goal:
To serve the Lord with all my heart, His name and greatness extol.
Whatever stage of life you’re in, it’s time to make a fresh start.
Admit the failures of your past. Give God the whole of your heart.

© Copyright George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved