1 Kings 19:3a Elijah was afraid and ran for his life.
God’s Kingdom operates on faith but the world’s operating system runs on fear and feelings. Faith is directed by the belief system and rooted in the Word of God while feelings flail on what we see, observe and hear. Our feelings cause our moods to swing like a yo-yo but faith is firm as a flint. Prophet Elijah was a mighty man of God. At his word, the heavens stopped raining and at his plea fire fell from Heaven. He was bold, rough, rusty and raspy to the disobedient Israelites. He even openly rebuked King Ahab for misleading Israel into idolatry and rebellion. Ahab married Jezebel, the Syrophoenician princess and started serving their gods. He worshipped Asherah poles, the primary fertility goddess of the Canaanites pantheon. Hence the Lord shut the heavens and there was a severe famine in Israel for 3 ½ years. However, the same prophet who valiantly faced the demonic army was shuddered at the threat of the wicked Queen Jezebel.
The promise of fertility was clearly stipulated in the Mosaic law but disobedience brought drought. Deuteronomy 28:12 The Lord will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season. Hence Elijah called for a revival meeting on Mount Carmel. Fire came down from Heaven and the 450 prophets of Baal and 400 prophets of Asherah were slaughtered. At the pinnacle of the success story, the faith of the “fire-fighter Elijah” was put to test. Spiritually pumped but physically exhausted Elijah was threatened at the demonic voice of Jezebel. Hence he ran and hid from her.
Faith is tested when feelings are hyped with success, duped by threats or pooped to exhaustion.
Faith vs Feelings:
- Triumph: Elijah faced extraordinary challenges and did exceptional miracles. “The greatest enemy of progress is your last success” – Myles Munroe. Our success can stagger our faith if our feelings are not under control. When triumph moves us into the “feel-good mode”, faith will shrink. Elijah thought Jezebel will repent like the people but she shocked Elijah with a terrifying threat. Our triumph will infuriate the enemy and will unleash ugly reactions from people. Not everyone will rejoice at our success. Don’t let your faith be stolen by the ‘feel-good’ feelings.
- Tired: The man was physically exhausted. After the revival crusade Elijah ran ahead of Ahab’s chariot by foot for about 50kms from Mount Carmel to Jezreel. Fatigue and hunger made Elijah ‘hangry’. Rest both spiritually and physically to rejuvenate your faith. Many lose the plot as they just keep going without rest. Physical exhaustion shrivels faith but rest revitalizes it.
- Tricked: Elijah’s expectations tricked him. After the great success he expected significance to follow automatically however, he received the summons to be executed. Frustrated, annoyed and exasperated, Elijah prayed the most shocking prayer – “let me die”. Disappointment with people will cause agitation and irritation with God. Never let your feelings trick the faith out of your life. Distress drains but reflection resuscitates faith.
Even in the crescendo of the celebration, keep your feelings on a tight leash. Feelings can pump-up or debilitate in no time. Faith will remain constant in the peak of the sensation or in deadly silence.
1 Kings 19:4b “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, teach me to be calm in the cheers of success or the clamour of slander. May my feelings never cheat, trick or steal my faith. Amen.
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