15 And the Lord said to him, “Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus. And when you arrive, you shall anoint Hazael to be king over Syria. 16 And Jehu the son of Nimshi you shall anoint to be king over Israel, and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah you shall anoint to be prophet in your place. 17 And the one who escapes from the sword of Hazael shall Jehu put to death, and the one who escapes from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha put to death. 18 Yet I will leave seven thousand in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.” 1 Kings 19:15-18
This passage in 1 Kings picks up in the life of Elijah following a time of running, hiding, and discouragement. A time when he had to be told to eat, drink and sleep. He isolated himself, was drowning in his own negative and untrue narrative, and had basically placed himself on the bench, he wasn’t on the field at all, all he did was play with casinodames.com. And here we see that all of the sudden he’s back in the game! The Lord has given instruction to go and to continue his plan. And Elijah does!
Previously he was paralyzed by his fears, unable to move and do what God had next. Now, he chooses to get up and go. To get back in the game. His external circumstances haven’t changed. But he has. God strengthened Elijah physically and the depressed prophet has pushed through and found victory in his darkest hour. Now he is ready to continue following God’s leading, to move forward in boldness and obedience. It isn’t perfect and it isn’t easy, but he chooses to move and to act. He may not have felt completely prepared or able to continue in his calling, but he did so anyway. Perhaps he moved and acted before he felt like it. He chose obedience and courage rather than waiting for the moment when he felt ready.
Today, recall a moment recently when the Holy Spirit prompted you to action. What held you back? Surrender those reasons to him today and resolve to get up and get back in the game.
By Ellen Rosenberger
