for little Elijahs, everywhere

The Word for today:
1 Kings 19

mark this: 1 Kings 19:9-12 --

Behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and He said to him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?"
So he said, "I have been very zealous for the Lord God of hosts; for the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left; and they seek to take my life."
Then He said, "Go out, and stand on the mountain before the Lord." And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake;
and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice.

First Kings chapter 19 is a Bible chapter for you to hang onto. I know a man who keeps it under his pillow.

Elation, depression, self-pity, exhaustion, despair, wavering faith--all of these are making an emotional wreck of the great prophet...

until God steps in to restore him.

Elijah experienced numerous intense emotions within a few short hours. First he challenged 850 false prophets on Mt. Carmel, calling down fire from heaven. Then he eliminated 450 of those prophets. Then he watched a demonstration of God's power as the long drought came to an abrupt end.

Running--about 25 miles--ahead of King Ahab's chariot all the way to Jezreel, the man who had single-handedly faced down more than 800 pagan prophets suddenly found himself running for his life from Queen Jezebel's death threats.

Physically and emotionally and spiritually spent, Elijah crashed. He asked God to end his life, because he viewed the situation as hopeless. He considered himself alone, the only one still standing for the LORD.

Are you standing for the LORD against the opposition of your culture, your family, or against a church that is falling away from the Word of God? Has the fight sapped your strength and enthusiasm and even your measure of faith?

Chapter 19 is for you, because--tower of power that people expect you to be--God knows you as just a kid in need of a cool drink, a good supper, a sweet nap and a reassuring lullaby.

Chapter 19 is for Elijahs everywhere. The struggle goes on, but your fight is not in vain. Your Father has noted your bravery. He takes great delight in you. The whisper you hear is His.