The dramatic story of Elijah and Jezebel is quite remarkable. Elijah had called on Jezebel’s prophets to prove who was God—Baal, or the Hebrew God, Yahweh.
The test Elijah created was for each side to build a wood altar and call on their god to consume the altar by fire. Elijah won the contest hands down and slew Jezebel’s false prophets. When news of the contest and death of her prophets was heard, she sent a death threat to Elijah. She told him that within 24 hours his blood would be shed.
The bold leader Elijah was instantly terrified and he “got up and ran for his life”. How could such a bold, courageous man of God suddenly be a frightened coward from the threat of that woman? If Elijah could have a lapse what about less brave souls like us? Be assured you can run like him, BUT we must never give up!!
We might read this bit of history and say that Elijah snatched defeat from the jaws of victory. We are baffled by the Godly man’s behaviour. He seemed so confident, so much in charge of adversity, how could his courage disappear so quickly? Elijah’s cowardice is confusing because he was so bold when facing the priests on Mt. Carmel.
We need to remember that when we have a great spiritual victory, the time after can be especially dangerous for us. Some great Christian leaders in the past 100 years have succumbed to moral failure after accomplishing some wonderful victory for Christianity. But we must NEVER give up!!
If spiritual giants like Elijah, King David, Jonah, and Peter—among other great people in the Bible—could fall one way or another, all of us can do the same. One of the greatest preachers ever was C. H. Spurgeon (1834-1892). He suffered with such great bouts of depression that he had to travel to Mentone, France to recuperate.
What then? Must we believe we are sinning because of our failure? Be careful about a harsh judgment against yourself or some other believer.
The Lord knows we are dust (Psalm 103:14). He deals carefully with us, coming to us and gently putting strong hands—scarred by love—beneath us to lift us up. He does not leave a footprint on top of us.
Today, come to the One Who has loved you with an everlasting love and seek grace to help in your time of sorrow. He longs to be gracious to you. He waits to bless you. He desires to meet your every need.
Give up? Never!! So come and come now.
