Scripture:

“Then the Lord told him, ‘Go back the same way you came, and travel to the wilderness of Damascus. When you arrive there, anoint Hazael to be king of Aram. Then anoint Jehu grandson of Nimshi to be king of Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from the town of Abel-meholah to replace you as my prophet. Anyone who escapes from Hazael will be killed by Jehu, and those who escape Jehu will be killed by Elisha! Yet I will preserve 7,000 others in Israel who have never bowed down to Baal or kissed him!’

 

So Elijah went and found Elisha son of Shaphat plowing a field. There were twelve teams of oxen in the field, and Elisha was plowing with the twelfth team. Elijah went over to him and threw his cloak across his shoulders and then walked away.” 1 Kings 19:15-19 (NLT)

 

Perspective:

 

Elijah had just experienced a whirlwind of events in his life. God had given him a great victory on Mount Carmel against the prophets of Baal. Elijah prayed, and it rained after a three year drought. His life was threatened by the king’s wife, so he ran away into the wilderness. The emotional highs and lows that Elijah experienced within a short period of time would have been exhausting. So, when he met God outside a cave in the desert, it is not surprising that he told God that he was the only one left who wasn’t serving foreign gods. He felt abandoned, exhausted, and emotionally drained. The weariness of the journey had impacted Elijah’s perspective. He no longer was able to see God’s previous faithfulness or promise for the future. God’s victory on Mount Carmel was quickly forgotten in the midst of his life being threatened. Interestingly, God did not forsake him in his moment of despair. Instead of leaving Elijah to figure everything out on his own, God gave him specific directions on where to go, what to do, and the people to gather around himself. God knew what Elijah needed at that moment. The path that had seemed very uncertain became clear in light of God’s words.

 

God can speak to us in a variety of ways. His Word can direct our hearts by His truth; people who are walking with God can speak a word of encouragement into our lives. Spending time individually seeking God is important, as well. No matter the method God uses, God knows what we need. On Mount Carmel, Elijah did not need a personal conversation with God; he needed fire to rain down from heaven. Yet, in this moment in a cave in the desert, Elijah needed direction. God knows your need. Even if you are tired and weary, God is able to speak direction and provision into your life and circumstances. The challenge can be pulling away and finding time to seek God through prayer. Yet, when we do, we experience a renewed perspective as a result of hearing from God. Even when we become weary, spending time with God strengthens our hearts to be able to walk in obedience. Like Elijah, God wants to show you where to go, what to do, and the people you need in your life. If things in your life seem uncertain or unclear today, God is able to bring clarity and specific direction as you look to Him.

 

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

 

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About Hona Amer

I help people live life to the fullest. Check out my book, Smart Work U. Follow me on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram. In order to receive updates, subscribe below.

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