Bible Chapter: I Kings 19 & 20

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    After an amazing victory, Elijah ran when Jezebel said she would see that he was killed.  It was overwhelming for Elijah.  He reached the point where he asked God to kill him.  He was discouraged.  After great victories, the enemy will often attack and try to get a godly person to give up.  God send an angel to feed and encourage Elijah.  Later God appeared to him and gave him directions of what to do.
    One of the things Elijah was instructed to do was to anoint Elisha as a prophet.  When he went to Elisha, he left the plowing of the field and sacrificed his oxen.  Elisha made a full commitment to serve and follow God wherever He would lead.
    In spite of King Ahab’s evil doings, God used him to bring a victory for Israel and defeat of of their enemies.  Samaria had been taken over by the Aramean army.  Following God’s directions they won the battle and delivered the people.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    Serving God can include both wonderful highs and difficult lows.  Elijah went from an amazing victory over the prophets of Baal to feeling extremely discouraged because of Jezebel’s threat.  We love the victories and wish the hard times would never come.  God cared for His prophet and helped him through the valley.  I have seen people walk away from God when things got tough.  The lesson is that we must never give up.  We don’t see the whole picture.  We only see the bad news of today.  God sees eternity.  We feel weak.  God has all power.  So, we must stick with God no matter what things look like.

3.  How can I help someone?
    I want to help people see God’s perspective.  God will empower.  God will enable us to do what He wants us to do.  It is always worth it to stick with God all the way.  You can’t beat God’s “retirement” plan.