JULY 27, 1 Kings 19:15-18 

God showed Elijah that He is all-powerful and in absolute control of all things. He demonstrated to Elijah that he could create strong winds, earthquakes and fire, but He was not in them. God showed Elijah that these miracles will not bring about repentance in people. On the other hand, when He spoke in a still small voice, hearts of people can be changed. In other words, only the Holy Spirt through the Word of God is able to bring about repentance and the conversion of hearts.

Elijah was discouraged. He thought that he was alone fighting zealously on God’s side. But the Lord later told him that he was not alone; there were seven thousand other who had not bowed their knees to Baal.

The Lord asked Elijah “what doest Thou here, Elijah” a second time (verse 13). He had previously asked Elijah the same question (1 Kings 19:9). The Lord was giving Elijah a chance to admit is wrong and continue in his ministry. But instead Elijah asked God to take his life. This meant that Elijah wanted to give up his ministry.

The Lord accepted Elijah’s request to quit the ministry. Elijah was then sent by God to anoint Elisha as prophet in his place. God had chosen Elisha to be Elijah’s successor.  

Elijah should have continued in his ministry and trusted the Lord to help him. Although Elijah was overall a faithful prophet, this was one of his short comings. When we face difficulties in serving God, we must not give up. We need to persevere, pray and depend on the Lord .

Find Damascus in the north and Horeb in the south and circle them. This is the distance Elijah traveled after the Lord spoke to him.

Thought: God will restore!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, remind me always to turn to You, even if I am down and out so that I can seek restoration from You, after confessing my sins. Help me to cast away pride and self, so I will rely on Your wonderful grace and strength. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.