The following is an edited summary of a message from Pastor Nicholas Tsakis at Empower Christian Church on Sunday 11 July:
From 1 Kings 18, and from 19:1, we read about Elijah. He was a key prophet who - like Moses - witnessed God's power on Mount Carmel. During Elijah's time, he was used to confront King Ahab and his wife, Jezebel. She was especially keen to murder God's prophets and worship other gods.
Elijah had a lot of highs, but also a lot of lows.
He was afraid when Jezebel threatened him. He even ran for his life, despairing and fearful. Elijah was depressed, fatigued and wanting to die. He had had enough.
Single-minded
Take notice of something very characteristic of Elijah, namely his single-mindedness towards God. It both shocks and challenges us. It came from a personal relationship with God.
Sitting alone and depressed, God provided refreshment, even via an unclean raven. God was with him in both the peaks and troughs.
Great victories to recall
Thinking of the amazing 'highs', God also used a widow with little food to supply miraculous needs. When her son died, Elijah cried out to God and the boy was risen from the dead. On Mount Carmel, he hosted a showdown of pagan devotees against God. He even saturated the sacrifice with water on and around it. God burnt it!
In James 5:17, we are comforted and refreshed by how Elijah was just like us. The God of Heaven was there with Him, and with us. Elijah even, like us, felt alone and sorry for himself. The truth was, there were many Godly people that he just could not see.
Overcoming fear
His fear was in conflict with faith. Fear is powerful, but Jesus is the Prince of Peace who can remove that fear. God confronted his emotions during his time of despondency. That, too, is a common experience for many of us.
Be careful to not make wrong decisions when you are fearful, depressed and feeling alone. Get before God and listen to His voice. Get around the right people to encourage your spirit.
You are not alone!
In 1 Kings 19:4, God first fed and rested Elijah.
God always provided, whether in highs or lows.
And God will provide through some surprising places.
God is always there for you. A great saying is that faith is the step between promise and assurance.
What matters most is having a personal relationship with Christ. What's yours today?
From 1 Kings 18, and from 19:1, we read about Elijah. He was a key prophet who - like Moses - witnessed God's power on Mount Carmel. During Elijah's time, he was used to confront King Ahab and his wife, Jezebel. She was especially keen to murder God's prophets and worship other gods.
Elijah had a lot of highs, but also a lot of lows.
He was afraid when Jezebel threatened him. He even ran for his life, despairing and fearful. Elijah was depressed, fatigued and wanting to die. He had had enough.
Single-minded
Take notice of something very characteristic of Elijah, namely his single-mindedness towards God. It both shocks and challenges us. It came from a personal relationship with God.
Sitting alone and depressed, God provided refreshment, even via an unclean raven. God was with him in both the peaks and troughs.
Great victories to recall
Thinking of the amazing 'highs', God also used a widow with little food to supply miraculous needs. When her son died, Elijah cried out to God and the boy was risen from the dead. On Mount Carmel, he hosted a showdown of pagan devotees against God. He even saturated the sacrifice with water on and around it. God burnt it!
In James 5:17, we are comforted and refreshed by how Elijah was just like us. The God of Heaven was there with Him, and with us. Elijah even, like us, felt alone and sorry for himself. The truth was, there were many Godly people that he just could not see.
Overcoming fear
His fear was in conflict with faith. Fear is powerful, but Jesus is the Prince of Peace who can remove that fear. God confronted his emotions during his time of despondency. That, too, is a common experience for many of us.
Be careful to not make wrong decisions when you are fearful, depressed and feeling alone. Get before God and listen to His voice. Get around the right people to encourage your spirit.
You are not alone!
In 1 Kings 19:4, God first fed and rested Elijah.
God always provided, whether in highs or lows.
And God will provide through some surprising places.
God is always there for you. A great saying is that faith is the step between promise and assurance.
What matters most is having a personal relationship with Christ. What's yours today?
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