If anyone understood what discouragement felt like, it would be the prophet Elijah. After a great victory on Mount Carmel, he received a death threat from the wicked queen Jezebel. Fearful, he fled into the wilderness of Beersheba. He prayed, “It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.” (1 Kings 19:4) Yet, in that desolate place, God met him, strengthened him, and gave him a renewed mission. (You can check out 1 Kings 18-19 to discover the whole story.)
Here are 3 must-know truths that we can learn from Elijah’s experience.
Discouragement doesn’t mean that you’re on the wrong track.
If you were in Elijah’s shoes, you might think, “Obviously, I missed the fork in the road. Death threats don’t happen to nice people. What went wrong here?!” Yet Elijah was in the centre of God’s will for his life. He was preaching the truth, opposing false doctrine, and living bravely. The apostle Paul reminds us that, “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” (2 Timothy 3:12)
Often, when we are obeying God’s will, we will be persecuted. We will receive spiritual attack—whether that comes as unfair criticism, personal trials, unexpected obstacles, or discouragement. In our prison ministries, we know what it feels like to have spiritual attack. But, if you’re obeying the Lord, don’t give up!
Discouragement doesn’t mean that God has abandoned you.
When Elijah fled into the wilderness, he probably felt all alone, without a friend in the world. Yet God was with him, and He even sent His angel to feed Elijah. God had not left Elijah alone, and He will not abandon you either. If you have believed on Jesus as your Saviour, He will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5). And His love for you will never change (Romans 8:38-39). At our prison ministries, we know that God loves everyone and wants them to be saved from their sins. Join us to learn more.
Discouragement doesn’t change the fact that God is in control.
No matter how strong our faith may be, we all have moments where we doubt God. Like the disciples in the boat, we cry out, “Lord, why are You sleeping? Can’t you see what is happening?” Then, just as He did for Elijah, Jesus meets us. He speaks to us in a still, small voice, reminding us that He has a good and perfect plan. And that nothing can mess up what He is going to do. Not you. Not me. Not even any of our mistakes. We can trust God, because He loves us and He is in control.
Are you struggling with discouragement today? Even after his great triumph, Elijah felt discouraged. But, when he cried out for help, God met him in a very real and personal way. By the end of the story, Elijah had a new hope. And he went on to do great and mighty things for God. You can, too.
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