He was frightened and disillusioned by what his world had become. After spending time under a tree, bemoaning his situation, he ran. He ran from the trouble that surrounded him. Sought shelter in a cave.
We can all probably relate to the prophet called Elijah. He tried to promote the works of God, everywhere he went. Then suddenly, the world around him, began to attack him. Jezebel put out a price on his head. He became a wanted man, and he ran.
We all experience times in our life when running seems to be the only answer left. Just run. Make a fast break. Get out of dodge. We might hide from family and friends, from sorrow and grief, from problems common to mankind in the world we live. Make an exit from our circle of friends and family. Seek seclusion from the world. We may allow disappointment in people and circumstances to steal our hope. Or let current events in the world we live, snatch every ounce of hope from us, that things will ever work out. Those are the caves we seek in this day.
Elijah tried not eating hoping that he would just die. God sent angels with food. Isn’t that awesome to know? Wherever we are, starving there, feeling alone and unloved and hunted. Even then God sees us and sends help. What do you do then? That is when Elijah became a cave dweller, sitting in a huge pity party. Thinking that HE was the only one left. A scary place to be. Alone in a dark out of the way cave.
Then came the word of the Lord. “Elijah, what are you doing here?” That must have been earth shaking for this prophet of God. God explains something to him. I paraphrase. You may think you are alone, but there are seven thousand believers there waiting for leadership. Get back to the work I have for you. End this pity party and get back to the task I created you for.
What is your purpose? What thing has God planned for you? I don’t think He desires that we withdraw from society. He doesn’t want the evil that steals our peace of mind to paralyze us with fear. He doesn’t want us to turn our backs on current events and run. There are millions of like believers in this world. Prayer is the common language shared by believers to connect us to each other. We have work to do. No time for cave dwelling.
They say we use more muscles to frown than to smile. First thing in the day, just smile. Smile that you are here. That you still have things to accomplish. That you can make a difference in the lives of the people around you. Your family. Your neighbors. Perfect strangers in the community where you live. Find what it is you were meant to do and work to see it come to pass.
What are you doing here? Burst out of the cave that holds you, never to return. You are not alone.
~Scripture For Today~
1 Kings 19:3-4
3 And he was afraid and arose and ran for his life and came to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there. 4 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 my life, for I am not better than my fathers.”
1 Kings 19:13-14
13 When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood in the entrance of the cave. And behold, a voice came to him and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 14 Then he said, “I have been very zealous for the Lord, the God of hosts; for the sons of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars and killed Your prophets with the sword. And I alone am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.”
~Prayer For Today~
Hello Father! Thank You for calling us from the caves. Thank You for never giving up on us. We pray that we find the mission and purpose you have for our lives. That we can smile, confident that each day is in Your hands. That you equip us with the ability to carry on. To overcome obstacles, climb the mountains before us, in victory. We pray for all who are weary from their travels through the valley of sorrow and trouble. Release them today to live again. To do that one thing that will fulfill Your purpose for their lives. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
©2016 Kathy Ledbetter. All Rights Reserved.