by Elizabeth George October 29, 2012
Elijah was a prophet of God from the settlers of Gilead, who was used mightily by God during the reigns of the kings Ahab and Ahaziah. He was a Tishite and his name means “Yahweh is my God. Elijah not only helped a widow with her provisions and her son (whom God raised from the dead through Elijah), but he also challenged the corrupt King Ahab and the priests of the false god Baal on Mount Carmel. After God was demonstrated to be the true God and Baal a false one, Elijah then ordered the deaths of — and killed — the priests of Baal. The evil queen Jezebel, the wife of King Ahab, was furious when she heard about this, and ordered the death of Elijah.
Frightened, Elijah fled to Mount Sinai. There, God revealed Himself to Elijah and commanded him to go back to Damascus. God also chose Elisha to serve as an assistant and successor for the worn-out and discouraged Elijah. After warning Ahab and Jezebel of their future violent deaths and warning Ahaziah of his own death, Elijah was miraculously “taken up” or “carried” by a whirlwind to heaven in a chariot of fire drawn by horses of fire. (For Elijah’s story, see 1 Kings 17:1–2 Kings 2:11.)
A Life Lesson from Elijah — Yahweh Is My God
Elijah was a man dedicated to God in a hostile society. He was bold and brave, but he was also human and succumbed to fear and depression. The moment of his greatest victory — the confrontation against the 450 priests of Baal — was also the moment he was shaken by the threats of Jezebel. In a fit of depression, he tried to hide. However, God— Yahweh—found His servant and dealt with His prophet’s depression in a gracious way. God never rebuked Elijah. Instead, He ministered to Elijah and nurtured him back to wholeness and usefulness.
Even during his faltering moments, Elijah never veered from his devotion to God. Do you have your “ups and downs” when it comes to following God’s will for your life? Like Elijah, you are not alone. And like Elijah, God will never give up on you. Follow Elijah’s example. Serve the Lord faithfully and courageously. Keep your eyes on Him, even in defeat. Trust Him to nurture you back to usefulness and supply all you need to carry out your ministry.
Question: How does it make you feel to know that God will never give up on you?
Read From Jim’s heart…God Never Gives Up on You on Elizabeth & Jim George.
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Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:
Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:
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