March 27, 2022 Elijah
March 27, 2022
Elijah
Sometimes being a ride or die man of God is discouraging.
There are days when you think, “I have been standing for God and His ways so long. Is it even making a difference?”
We all go through difficult times that leave us exhausted and questioning our choices.
Living as a ride or die man of God in an ungodly world isn’t easy.
Just ask Elijah. He knew.
Have no doubt about it: Elijah was a ride or die man of God. For years, he served as God’s prophet, delivering God's messages to a people and a king who didn’t want to hear it. Living in the era of Ahab and Jezebel, when many of God’s people turned to worshipping Baal, and many of God’s prophets were killed or had to go into hiding, Elijah frequently stood against the evil leaders and spoke God's truth.
He was the one who infamously told King Ahab, “There will be no rain for years because of your sin.” Then he endured the drought and famine, living on God’s miraculous provision for him.
Finally, God gave the word and told Elijah it was time for a showdown. He challenged Ahab and the prophets of Baal to a sacrificial dual. The God Who answered with fire would be the god the people would serve.
Like a sportscaster giving highlights, 1 Kings 18 recounts the contest where God decidedly defeats Baal. It was a tremendous victory for God and Elijah.
But the battle left Elijah exhausted. With Jezebel again threatening his life, Elijah fell into deep despair.
Then he went on alone into the wilderness, traveling all day. He sat down under a solitary broom tree and prayed that he might die.
“I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors who have already died.” (1 Kings 19:4, NLT)
What? How could this happen? How did Elijah, the great man of God, become so defeated?
Well, he was human. After years of fighting God's battle, he was exhausted.
Notice: God didn’t judge him for it.
Instead, God gave him time to rest and recuperate.
During this time, God revealed Himself to Elijah in a new way.
He reminded Elijah that he was not alone.
Finally, he gave him a friend—a protege—a partner in ministry.
For the rest of his life, Elijah had Elisha to help him and encourage him. Elisha continued Elijah's work after he went to Heaven.
I believe this is something we all need to be ride or die men of God. We need friends. We need other godly men in our lives to encourage us, tell us the truth, hold us accountable, and support us in the good times and bad.
Every Elijah needs an Elisha.
We weren’t meant to serve God all alone.
We aren’t lone rangers; we are part of the body of Christ.
We need other people to support us, challenge us, and help us on our journey to be ride or die men of God.
By: Jamie Holden, Mantour Ministries
Today’s Scripture:
So Elijah went from there and found Elisha son of Shaphat. He was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen, and he himself was driving the twelfth pair. Elijah went up to him and threw his cloak around him. Elisha then left his oxen and ran after Elijah. “Let me kiss my father and mother goodbye,” he said, “and then I will come with you.”
“Go back,” Elijah replied. “What have I done to you?”
So Elisha left him and went back. He took his yoke of oxen and slaughtered them. He burned the plowing equipment to cook the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out to follow Elijah and became his servant. (1 Kings 19:19-21, NIV)
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.