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A Turnaround for Elijah
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2/11/2010
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"He was afraid and arose and ran for his life...he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness...and he requested for himself that he might die." - 1 Kings 19:3-4 NASB
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Elijah was exhausted. Discouraged. No longer filled with the faith that enabled him to stand alone against 450 prophets of Baal.
Failing to trust in God, he became intimidated by the threats of Queen Jezebel. Afraid, he ran, no longer wanting to face the challenges of life.
Elijah was feeling vulnerable. Seeing no hope, he was ready to give up. But then God told him to "stand on the mountain"--and He would be there. At first, Elijah felt "a great and strong wind," but God "was not in the wind." Then the earth shook with a mighty earthquake, followed by a fire. But God was not in either the quake or the fire (vs. 11-12).
Then there was "a sound of a gentle blowing," a "gentle whisper" (NLT), a "still small voice" (NKJV)--and that is when Elijah experienced God's Presence and received His direction and reassurance. Showing He still was with Elijah, He sent him back into ministry to complete his assignment.
This experience of Elijah shows us that even mature Believers may need turnarounds. All of us face the weakness of the flesh. At times, we all must be renewed in our relationship with God, reminded to depend on Him and not on ourselves. Where do we find that turnaround? Like Elijah--in quiet times alone with the Lord, where He can refresh us, teach us, strengthen us, and guide us.
If you become discouraged, remember to turn to God. If you feel alone, remember that you're surrounded by a mighty spiritual army. If you feel powerless, seek Him and believe Him for the power that's available to you. And when you face problems, no matter how serious or small, call on Him. Let Him turn your life around and meet your every need.
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| Prayer |
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Father, renew me today. Help me to rely on You. Thank You that You are always with me. I worship You and believe You for victory. Thank You! In Jesus' name. Amen.
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| Extended Reading
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1 Kings 19
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