Strength in the Wilderness
- Bishop Keith Butler
- Aug 5, 2023
- 2 min read
And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and withal how he had slain all the prophets with the sword. Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by to morrow about this time. And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beersheba, which belongeth to Judah, and left his servant there. But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers. (1 Kings 19:1-4)
Elijah had just witnessed a powerful display of God's power on Mount Carmel, where fire came down from heaven and consumed the sacrifice. He had boldly confronted the prophets of Baal and slain them. However, when he received a threatening message from Queen Jezebel, fear gripped his heart, and he fled for his life.
Fear is a spirit and not a spirit that comes from God. To live our faith successfully, we must defeat the fear that shows its ugly head in our lives. Elijah's reaction to the threat reminds us of the human and fleshly side of our faith journey. Elijah told God about the fear that was trying to grip him. It is crucial for us to be honest with God about our struggles, doubts, and fears. He is not intimidated by our vulnerability. God did not rebuke Elijah for his emotional state. God directed Elijah to a meet Him in the wilderness. He was telling Elijah he was not abandoned; God wanted to spend time with him. As Elijah sought refuge in a cave, the Lord asked him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?” God didn’t ask because He didn’t know. God was trying to remind Elijah of his purpose and his calling.
Practical Application
Today, if you find yourself under a juniper tree, overwhelmed by fear, doubt, or exhaustion, remember that God sees you, cares for you, and desires to strengthen you. Seek His presence in prayer and meditate on His promises.
