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“The LORD said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by.” – 1 Kings 19:11
What are you afraid of?
Seriously, do you believe that your situation is beyond the help of God, Almighty?
Life is difficult, but the Lord is the Creator of all things. He is your rock and fortress in times of trouble. We need not fear anything that mankind puts in our way, if our hope is in the Lord. Satan will use fear to cause you to question God’s love for you, and to challenge your faith in His presence in your life. Fear not, for God never leaves your side or turns His back on you. We face burdens and challenges to strengthen our faith and build more trust in Him as our provider and comforter.
Take a look at 1 Kings 18:16 and 19:31, Elijah, the only remaining prophet of the Lord at that time faces over 450 prophets of Baal at Mount Carmel. All other prophets of God had been killed by King Ahab and Jezebel. After several hours of calling on their gods of Baal to send fire to light their sacrifice, nothing happens. Elijah, builds an alter and sacrifice, pours water on the wood to the point of saturation, then prays for the Lord’s glory and anointing on the people that day. He asks the Lord for fire from heaven and the Lord strikes fire to the altar, and immediately the 450 prophets of Baal fall prostrate and recognize God as Lord. Elijah then proceeds to kill all of them, and send a message of God’s power to Ahab and Jezebel. Then we see Jezebel’s response threatening Elijah’s very life, sending him running with fear into the wilderness.
What had happened to this mighty prophet of the Lord? Where had his confidence and courage gone? How could he fear for his life less than 24 hours after slaughtering 450 prophets of Baal? In the wilderness Elijah comes face to face with the Lord to receive strength, courage and the resolve to continue forward on his purpose for the Lord. In 1 Kings 19:15-18, God informs Elijah that there are many prophets to come in the future days, ensuring him that he is not alone. He comes to Elijah on that mountain in a gentle whisper of love, comfort and peace, to strengthen Elijah and give him a conquerors perspective. Elijah leaves that mountain revitalized to carry on and continue his purpose in the Lord.
We all get off track. Even the greatest prophets and messengers of the Lord had fear, weakness and struggled with the evil of mankind. Look at Adam, Moses, Elijah, David, Joseph, Abraham, Peter and Paul and you find each of them challenged along their path. You serve the same Almighty God that they served, and His love and strength is as plentiful for you today as it was for them. You must come to the point in your life where you give up control and trust in His power, love and purpose. Today is that day. Give your worries and concerns over to God and hear His word for renewal and strength to carry on.
Almighty God,
You alone are worthy of our praise and worship. You alone can provide our strength, courage and purpose. You alone can overcome any struggle we face today. You alone can calm our fears and help us see through our worries and concerns. We bring our burdens to You today because it is too much for us to carry. We are pressed beyond our capacity and call upon You for our help, Lord. Give us the heart of a conqueror and overcomer to take on the challenges that mankind place before us. We trust and hope in You alone as our provider. In Jesus name we pray – Amen.
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