DAY 3: Elijah Experiences Despair
You know that feeling of having no hope? Perhaps something really tragic and terrible happens and you question whether you’ll ever experience any joy again in life? You’re not alone. Everybody experiences this at some point in time.
Elijah, a dedicated prophet of God, had seen and experienced God accomplish amazing things. Elijah and God had battled against the prophets of Baal, and came out victorious. Later, Elijah prays for rain, and God answers his prayer in a mighty way. But when Ahab’s wife Jezebel hears about Elijah’s defeat of the prophets of Baal, she threatens to take his life. How does Elijah respond? He not only flees; he prays for God to take his life (1 Kings 19:2-3).
This level of despair happens to all of us. It may even occur after a tremendous spiritual victory, as it did for Elijah. But it’s important to remember that God gently restores Elijah, because there was more God needed Elijah to accomplish.
As you read today, consider this: When you’re experiencing a lack of hope or deep depression, do you allow God to gently restore you?
READING & JOURNALING:
Do you take time to allow God to gently restore you?
How much time do you think you need every day for God to restore you? What can you do to ensure you take that time each day over the next week?
How regularly do you consider that God still has a purpose for you to fulfill?
F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)
Read: Exodus 12
Journal: Write it out. Following the pattern from 7 Arrows Page (click here) what did you learn from today’s reading?
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, there are a lot of things I go to experience what I may think is restoration. Whether it’s watching a movie, taking a nap, reading a book, or something else. While these things may provide some physical rest or entertainment, I know that the kind of restoration You provide is different. The restoration You provide is more fulfilling. May I continue to grow in coming to You to be restored and renewed each morning. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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