Life experiences on a scale of 1-10 notes 1 as sweet to 10 as bitter. Finding oneself up and down-back and forth on the scale depends upon life events. Psalm 34:19 Yet “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivers him/her out of them all. A confirmation that those in “MINISTRY” are also challenged with stressful and/or hurtful including life-threatening situations. To put it mildly think about the abuse Jesus bore for us before and on the cross-the precise nailing of His hands to the tree/cross that prevented Him from falling down. Then Paul was beheaded. Others martyrs are talked about in Hebrews 11:35-37.
So this Blog titled, MINISTRY UPS & DOWNS focuses on the Prophet Elijah. He has been identified as the “Fiery whirlwind prophet whose MINISTRY was proving to Israel that Jehovah and not Baal, is the only true God.” This lesson taken from 1 Kings 19:1-18 reveals Elijah’s MINISTRY UPS & DOWNS were filled with supernatural events, victories wavering faith and depression. Before examining his wavering faith and depression let’s explore who Elijah was, his mighty faith and victories.
His name means “My God is the LORD or Jehovah is my God.” Elijah’s hometown was Tishbe and he was known as a Tishbite in Gilead, east of the Jordan River. It was said, “Elijah appeared on the scene without historical background and without warning.” It is also important to note Elijah was taken to Heaven alive 2 Kings 2:11-Now his supernatural events and victories begins in 1 Kings 17:1-18:1-46 Elijah told the wicked King Ahab, “As the LORD God of Israel lives, before whom I stand there shall not be dew nor rain three years, but according to my word. Elijah had that kind of relationship with the LORD.
Elijah’s MINISTRY was to prove to Israel that Jehovah and not Baal, is the only true God.” Let’s pause right here. Similar to believer’s MINISTRY today. You and I are to tell others about Jesus and share personal testimonies of His goodness. Also others should see Christ in us since we are living in a dying world full of sin. No difference from the sins of Israel who worshipped Baal. Therefore God honored Elijah’s prophecy of no dew nor rain and He took care of Elijah. So during the three years Elijah raised from the dead a widow’s son. Then God told Elijah to go see Ahab. He did and challenged Ahab to a contest between Jehovah-God and Baal-God. Of course the victor was Jehovah-God. Read Chapter 18. Now due to great rain and wind coming Ahab was warned to prepare his chariot and to leave before it was too late. Even though Ahab was a wicked king. He trusted Elijah’s warning. Thus he left before Elijah in his chariot. Elijah’s mode of transportation was by foot. He ran all the way arriving at Jezreel before Ahab. Nobody but the power of the LORD (18:42-46).
What traumatic event happened to this “Fiery whirlwind Prophet Elijah that caused his wavering faith and depression. The answer is found in 19:1-3 “And Ahab told Jezebel (The wicked king’s wife who was wicked, wicked, wicked) all that Elijah had done, and withal (yet) how he had slain all the Baal prophets with the sword. Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by tomorrow about this time. And when he (Elijah) saw that, he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there. Well Jezebel the wicked wife who influenced her husband King Ahab to lead Israel into destruction had threatened with a promise to kill Elijah. Afterall their military was huge. She actually put a "Bounty on Elijah's head."
Wavery faith and depression has no respective of persons. You and I may or can be impacted regardless of our success, economic status, the color of our skin, position, as well as, how long one has served Christ. Therefore traumatic event (s) in your life or mine have or can cause wavery faith and depression. The pains of MINISTRY can result to wavery faith, depression and the “Falling away” within the body of Christ. Thus we need more love, compassion, kindness, longsuffering…you know the Fruit of the Spirit. Our faith journey includes consistent prayer, seeking God’s scriptures on how to handle situations in love. Our mission is striving for increase maturity in Christ. Therefore the question is: What can I do LORD for my church to be more like you? Then MINISTRY in the body of Christ is impacted by the MINISTRY in the home.
MINISTRY in our homes should also show the love of Christ. Guardians in the home are responsible for meeting the basic needs of shelter, food, clothing, nurturing and more for the family. Raising children, dealing with the unexpected to include sickness, loss, sadness, other life challenges to include the “Bitter” have and can lead to wavery faith and depression. Living in today’s climate can lead to wavery faith and depression. Yet we must nurture our “Right relationship” with God, talk to Him about ones' needs, consult His Word by seeking out scriptures for guidance according to the situation. Then we must trust God to meet our needs and fulfill His promises.
Elijah’s Depression 19:4 “But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers. 19:10 “And he said, I have been very jealous for the Lord God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword (Elijah took on the people's guilt and shame); and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.
Elijah’s Comfort & Restoration 19:5-8,18 “And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat. And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baking on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head. And he did eat and drink, and laid him down again. And the angel of the LORD came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee. And he arose, and did eat and drink, and went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God. Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him.” 19:13 “And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah?”
It’s important to note the compassion and love extended to Elijah. He was not beat-up on for his wavery faith nor depression. His feelings were real and not overlooked. As believers we are to show compression and love for those hurting. It is suggested to seek support from pastors, designated church support; and not to leave out professional mental health providers and consult with your doctor.
The goal for believers are comfort and restoration in the body of Christ, personal ministries and in our homes. Then depending on the deepness of wavering faith and/or emotional-mental healing the journey may be “Step by step” or “Little by little.” However we must trust God for the process of healing and restoration with professional support as needed.
Elijah Next Assignments “And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What does thou here, Elijah? And the LORD said unto him, Go, return on thy way to the wilderness of Damascus: and when thou come, anoint Hazael to be king over Syria: And Jehu the son of Nimshi shalt thou anoint to be king over Israel: and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abelmeholah shalt thou anoint to be prophet in thy room. And it shall come to pass, that he that escape the sword of Hazael shall Jehu slay: and him that escape from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha slay.
As one move forward in belief, trust, prayer, praise, worship and anticipation with thanksgiving for Restoration in the body of Christ, Personal Ministries and Restoration in the home.
Elijah’s Taken to Heaven Alive 2 Kings 2:11-12 “As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind. 12 Elisha saw this and cried out, “My father! My father! The chariots and horsemen of Israel!” And Elisha saw him no more. Then he took hold of his garment and tore it in two.” Elijah was taken to Heaven without seeing death. For us we want to be caught up in the Rapture when Christ returns and spend eternal life in the New Heaven and New Earth. May God continue to bless and keep you, this is my prayer. Love you, Neatbooks4u
