'ELIJAH WAS…JUST LIKE US.' JAMES 5:17 NIV
What was God's prescription for getting Elijah back on his feet? A lecture on the prophet's faltering faith? No, just rest and nourishment! God recognises our limitations, even when we don't. 'A bruised reed he will not break, and a smouldering wick he will not snuff out' (Isaiah 42:3 NIV). When we neglect our own legitimate needs, it shows up in our attitude. God understands that being down is a 'perspective' problem, and getting back up requires adjustment in four crucial areas. So: 1) He adjusted Elijah's God-perspective. 'Get in the presence of God and he'll meet with you' (1 Kings 19:11 NIV). The One who gave Elijah victory on Mount Carmel, could also sustain him in the desert of Jezreel. But first Elijah had to spend time with Him; otherwise he was running on an empty tank. Hello! 2) He adjusted Elijah's world-perspective. Elijah said, 'God's covenant is broken, His altar destroyed, His prophets murdered, and I'm the only one left' (v14). But God showed Elijah that He still had the necessary resources and strategies to accomplish His purposes, even in a hostile environment 3) He adjusted Elijah's self-perspective. The prophet saw himself as helpless and inadequate: 'Lord, let me die, for I am no better than those who preceded me' (v4). But God showed him there were still kings to anoint, battles to win, and that Elijah had an important role to play (v16). 4) He provided a helper. He sent Elisha to minister to him (v21). You're not supposed to carry it all alone! Allow yourself to need help, and watch whom God puts in your life to support you.
What was God's prescription for getting Elijah back on his feet? A lecture on the prophet's faltering faith? No, just rest and nourishment! God recognises our limitations, even when we don't. 'A bruised reed he will not break, and a smouldering wick he will not snuff out' (Isaiah 42:3 NIV). When we neglect our own legitimate needs, it shows up in our attitude. God understands that being down is a 'perspective' problem, and getting back up requires adjustment in four crucial areas. So: 1) He adjusted Elijah's God-perspective. 'Get in the presence of God and he'll meet with you' (1 Kings 19:11 NIV). The One who gave Elijah victory on Mount Carmel, could also sustain him in the desert of Jezreel. But first Elijah had to spend time with Him; otherwise he was running on an empty tank. Hello! 2) He adjusted Elijah's world-perspective. Elijah said, 'God's covenant is broken, His altar destroyed, His prophets murdered, and I'm the only one left' (v14). But God showed Elijah that He still had the necessary resources and strategies to accomplish His purposes, even in a hostile environment 3) He adjusted Elijah's self-perspective. The prophet saw himself as helpless and inadequate: 'Lord, let me die, for I am no better than those who preceded me' (v4). But God showed him there were still kings to anoint, battles to win, and that Elijah had an important role to play (v16). 4) He provided a helper. He sent Elisha to minister to him (v21). You're not supposed to carry it all alone! Allow yourself to need help, and watch whom God puts in your life to support you.
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