A poem posted at my other blog Step Ahead is inspired by the post “Power Hitter” which gave some good suggestions for leadership. If there is pressure to perform because of taking on a leadership role, pass it on to God who will be a helper that is interested in freeing up stress and enhancing the ability to be a power hitter in life.
As a batter in baseball keeps their eyes on the ball, we are to fix our eyes on God and humbly accept His power. As the song Fix My Eyes by King & Country suggest, talk the talk, walk the walk, live life for another, take time for a brother.
The Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works. - Matthew 16:27
Reading in 1 Kings 19 with thoughts shared in “The Rewards Await Those Who Know God Is Great”, there was a contrasting facet of Elijah’s personality. He had demonstrated great faith and courage but then became afraid and went wayward for a while.
Everyone can reach a point of exhaustion both mentally and physically. That’s when we must continue to believe that God is present so lift your voice to Him; take in an old song like Carry On Wayward Son by Kansas and pray that His angels and your friends touch you with refreshing encouragement.
The giraffe gets food from way up high like God’s Word feeds us with power from way up high. Take in the lessons learned for the rewards await those who know God is great. Be encouraged for help is on the way.
In the previous passage, Elijah was reaching up high for power and received courage to go up against his enemies. He was willing to take risk, overcame the obstacles in the way, and let nothing stop him. He glorified God with the Mount Carmel Incident by setting up an opportunity for God’s power to be demonstrated so more would accept the ONE true God in their hearts rather than the worship of idols.
Reading in 1 Kings 19, we note a contrasting facet of Elijah’s personality. He now becomes afraid (v. 3). He started running for his life because the wife of King Ahab named Jazebel didn’t react in an understanding way when the prophets of her idol named Baal were killed. She sent a messenger to Elijah to let him know his head would be on a chopping block.
Elijah was on the run and had virtually given out. Ready to accept death, he fell asleep under a bush (v. 5). We all can reach a point of exhaustion both mentally and physically. That’s when we must continue to believe that God is present to provide for our needs. The first need God meets for Elijah in today’s passage is food and water (v. 6).
There was also an angel of the Lord that touched him and encouraged him. Elijah was strengthened by the food as we can be strengthened by God’s physical and spiritual food. This day with God, lift your voice up and reach up high. Be one of God’s angels and help a friend by touching them with refreshing encouragement.
God … We have read Your Word and know that Elijah was a prophet during a time of bad kings, fake gods, and hearts gone astray. He had faith and courage during his time to point out that You God … Yaweh had a better Way. Even though Elijah goes wayward for a while in today’s passage, and we go wayward at times, help us to know that You are with us every step of the Way to carry on. In Jesus’ name we pray … amen.
Photo of Giraffe – Taken at Disney Wild Kingdom Park
Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us. - Ephesians 3:20
The nation of Israel worshiped idols instead of the ONE true God so there was a drought that led to a famine in the land. Ahab thought Elijah was the troublemaker but Elijah knew the trouble was caused by the worship of idols so a challenge was set up so the people’s hearts could be won over by the ONE true God.
The main take away from “Reach Out and Remove Doubt” is that those working for the Lord have a great advantage with the power that works within to make amazing feats happen. Elijah didn’t hide from those against him. He took risk, overcame obstacles, and let nothing stop him. That’s exactly how you can approach each day as you set out to accomplish great things for the glory of the Lord.
Sometimes we face circumstances that seem impossible. Things can stack up at work, financial challenges are faced, or health issues keep us from being at our best. That’s when we need the boost from the Word of God. All the great miracles we read about let us know that the impossible becomes possible when God is in control. There is no more doubt when we reach out for God’s help.
We have noted before that the worship of idols angered God so a drought was brought on which led to famine. Reading 1 Kings 18 today, the Lord told Elijah to present himself to Ahab and He would send rain to the land (v. 1).
Elijah was a prophet of Israel and Ahab was king of the northern kingdom of Israel who built a temple and altar to Baal. Ahab thought Elijah was the troublemaker, but Elijah knew the trouble was caused by the worship of idols.
Elijah set up a challenge on Mount Carmel (v. 20). Ahab’s people would call on the name of their idol Baal and Elijah would call on the name of the Lord. The one who answered by fire would win the hearts of the people and be accepted as the ONE true God (v. 24).
Ahab’s people called on their idol Baal but there was no answer to their commands. On the other hand, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel responded to the command of Elijah. He amazed the people by producing a fire that burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench (v. 38).
Think of current times. What recent experience in your life has caused you to say, “The Lord, He is God”?
Think of the amazing feats accomplished through God’s people and recorded in His Word. In current times, we witness amazing accomplishments through His people. From breaking world records in sports to new discoveries in technology and science.
The main take away for me today is that those working for the Lord have greater power to make amazing feats happen. Elijah didn’t hide from those against him. He took risk, overcame obstacles, and let nothing stop him. That’s exactly how we should approach each day as we reach out and remove doubt about the power of God by accomplishing amazing feats for the glory of the Lord.
This day with You Lord, we can read about the amazing that you do. Each day can be a challenge but when we reach out to You, there is no more doubt. We can be confident because You are with us and Your unlimited power will meet our deepest need. Be it a need for peace, for hope, or for healing. For revival, salvation, and victory because You are with us to guide and provide. Amen.
This Day With God - A Spiritual Journey 