Strength Over Despair (8/10/2025)

"And he said, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God of hosts; because the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left; and they seek to take my life” (1 Kings 19:14).

The prophet Elijah is in deep despair as he stands looking out of a cave on Mt. Horeb and tries to make a reasonable response to God who has asked him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” (verse 13).

Elijah’s faith has wavered. He has killed all the prophets of Baal, angering Jezebel who has threatened to kill him; thus, he has fled into Judah and then into the wilderness alone. He wants the Lord to take his life since he thinks he is the only one left on earth who is faithful to Him. 

The prophet has forgotten, at least for a time, the many situations in which God has blessed him so that he could accomplish the tasks God has given Him. And, now, he feels there is no real hope for him because the wicked Jezebel is out to kill him.

Elijah’s humanity strikingly comes to our attention as we realize how like him we can be—even with the spiritual blessings God has provided and with the unthinkable promises He has made, it is easy for us to become discouraged in unpleasant situations and feel God has deserted us. That will never happen. And that realization should provide strength to our souls.