And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, also how he had executed all the prophets with the sword. Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, "So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by tomorrow about this time." And when he saw that, he arose and ran for his life, and went to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there. (1 Kings 19:1-3)
Elijah was fresh off the greatest spiritual victory of his life. Yet, at the voice of the evil Queen Jezebel, he cowered, ran, and isolated himself from men and from God. This episode in Elijah’s life is a warning to us. Even after our greatest victories, we can be more vulnerable than we know – and Satan will look to take advantage of us when we least expect it.
Where was the faith Elijah displayed on Mount Carmel where he triumphed over hundreds of pagan priest and prophets? How did he go from calling down fire from heaven to flying away like a frightened bird? How quickly we can fall if we take our eyes off the Lord, even for a moment — and how steep that fall can be!
A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire; he rages against all wise judgment. (Proverbs 18:1)
The voice of the Lord becomes strange and distant to us the moment we isolate ourselves, so we must heed the lesson the scriptures teach in Elijah. Let us look to Jesus, always praying and seeking His face —especially when we are afraid.
Let's Pray - Father God, I am prepared to stand in faith in the difficult moments. Teach me to run to You and those who will pray for me and encourage me — and may my testimony be a help to those around me. Amen.
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