In the Wilderness!

1Kings 19:1-4 (New Living Translation)

1 When Ahab got home, he told Jezebel everything Elijah had done, including the way he had killed all the prophets of Baal. 2 So Jezebel sent this message to Elijah: “May the gods strike me and even kill me if by this time tomorrow I have not killed you just as you killed them.”
3 Elijah was afraid and fled for his life. He went to Beersheba, a town in Judah, and he left his servant there. 4 Then he went on alone into the wilderness, traveling all day. He sat down under a solitary broom tree and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors who have already died.”



Is it depressing to you for someone to share their struggles and heartaches? We all know we can't be on the mountain top all the time, as a matter of fact there is a lot of wilderness living going on out there. People who love God and doing the best they can, yet experiencing difficulties. You know what I am about to share with you, don't you? One more question though, how much sharing do we need to do? (Ok, maybe two) Do we leave our faith behind?
If I can identify with anyone these past weeks, it would be Elijah. Seeing and knowing the power of God, yet here he was running away from this crazy woman. Setting under a tree saying "it is enough" life is to hard, take me on home. Get the picture, now I have to admit I wasn't at that point, but many things just weighed to heavy and I am wondering Lord where are you? You said you would meet our needs. Maybe there are times when we have to evaluate where we are going, and does God hear us when we pray and how long does it take for the answer to come. Maybe you have not been on this road of indecision, but I can assure you, it happens to everyone at some point. I have decided that as we grow and as the refining process takes place, it is not comfortable. Duh! is that an understatement of what? This getting out of our comfort zone, (which is really hard for me) means we should be going forward with Christ. We (me) have to be willing to go or do whatever we (I) am called to do. Let me say here that "I do". Many times in my life I just did what I wanted to do and it was never worth it. NO peace and joy lived there. This is what happens when we take our focus off God!  Am I stronger? I hope so as I see Gods Hand in our life. Am I going to make it, a resounding YES! My destination is Heaven. Will there be more financial, spiritual, physical, etc, etc, to deal with before I get there? You better believe it. The enemy of our souls is out there to kill, steal and destroy. Do not underestimate him, but do remember the power given to us by Jesus Himself, through the Holy Spirit is much much greater. We do not have to live in defeat! So now you may be asking "Well what is your problem, you are saying all the right things, why are you wandering around in the wilderness? So here is my (excuse) answer. I was being rebellious because I didn't think God was being fair, my faith was "not" in things that are not seen, but just going on what I did see, which looked pretty hopeless. Confession is good, but being a whiny baby is certainly not! I hope I have not depressed you to much. God is good and this to shall pass! If you get the chance read about Elijah and Jezebel. It is quite a story! I have prayed for you as read this and if you are having problems, don't give up. I don't think God cares for us asking questions.
Check out Spiritual Sundays. (The link is on the sidebar) You will be encouraged!
Have a wonderful weekend and Lords Day!

10 comments:

Nikki (Sarah) said...

what you wrote here is true....Good post. Good thoughts to remember. Have a great weekend.

Ruth said...

dearest Shirley... i love that you give a lot of insight. thank you for this inspiring post.

Susy said...

You are an encourager Shirley. Bless you. xo

Anonymous said...

Thank you for such an honest and heart-felt post. I can relate, sister!

Musings of A Minister said...

Thank you for sharing from your heart. Yes, I'm sure that many of us identify with what you have written. God is alive and well and He is watching over us. Soldier on!

Ginger~~Enchanting Cottage said...

I think that most of us have times like this, that we feel like were in the desert. Each night I go to bed without anything wrong that day I thank the Lord for such a blessing.
Thank-you for sharing your heart today.
God Bless,
Ginger

Donnie said...

This is such a lovely picture and words. Thank you for posting it for this Sunday.

Charlotte said...

You are right. Everyone has days like this. Thank you for sharing your insight and thank you for remaining faithful through your doubts and fears. Have a blessed week.
Charlotte

Virginia said...

I really do believe God can do anything he chooses. I don't pretend to understand his reasoning for why things do or don't happen as they do ...but I do know he can intervene. I also know he usually works on His time. We all have moments of dispair , I had and still have my share of dissapintment and moments of pain, struggles and heartaches.But I get comfort on knowing He don’t give me more that I can handle.
I’m glad you shared with us your feelings, because through sharing of our joys and pains do we lift each other to God tender care.
Much Joy & Blessings,
Virginia

Janis Van Keuren said...

Thank you for this reminder that in this world we will have troubles but to take heart because the Lord has overcome the world.

Blessings,
Janis