Anticipation is like a special seasoning. It flavors our lives, giving zing and zest. When it and the fun that follows is gone, life can seem flat. Add challenges to that, and life can seem worse. If not careful, you might find your chin dragging on the ground from the blues.

So what are we to do?

Well, as I was feeling really blue on July 5^th—after  all my family and beautiful grandchildren had left for their homes in other cities following a week of vacation fun and an Independence Day barbecue—the Lord reminded me of Elijah’s experiences as written in First Kings (Chapters 16 – 19) in the Old Testament of the Bible.

Elijah believed and trusted in God’s faithfulness as he faced:

• An evil king—I Kings 16:30 “And Ahab the son of Omri did evil in the sight of the LORD above all that were before him.”
• Drought (I Kings 17:1)
• Famine (I Kings 17:12)
• His nation wavering between believing God or the devil (I Kings 18:21)
• News of mass murder by Queen Jezebel (I Kings 18: 13)
• A “showdown” between God and evil (I Kings 18: 19-39)
• Jezebel’s threat of retribution (I Kings 19: 1, 2) 

   

I’m truly embarrassed about writing about my minor woes—minor compared to Elijah’s. Most of you know by now that I have just come through my first year of stroke recovery. God has so blessed me, and I believe He isn’t finished with me yet! Still, there are struggles: swallowing; food getting stuck in my esophagus (no kidding); head drainage; getting around on my own; missing out on activities I would normally participate in; and so on. You get the picture.

What God wanted me to know—and what He wants YOU to know—is that He loves us and cares about each of us right in the situations that we are in. He just doesn’t want us to whine about them, feel sorry for ourselves, and give in. He wants us to bring those concerns and needs to Him, asking (and believing) that He will listen and help. He will see us in and through our situations, AND He will be  with us afterward.

“Afterwards” are not easy.

Look at what happened to Elijah in his.

After meeting every need and request of Elijah, Elijah had a “melt down”.

I Kings 19: 3, 4      “And when he saw that” (Jezebel was after him to kill him) “he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beersheba, which belongeth to Judah, and left his servant there. (4) But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.”

The God of all Creation continued to watch over Elijah.

• God sent an angel to minister to Elijah (I Kings 19: 5-8)—healthy food, water, rest, encouragement.
• God reached out to him. (I Kings 19: 9-10)
• God revealed Himself to him. (I Kings 19: 11, 12—“a still small voice”)
• God listened to him. (I Kings 19: 13-14)
• God gave Elijah direction and new purpose. (I Kings 19: 15-17)
• God encouraged him. (I Kings 19: 18)

 

I give thanks unto the Lord for reminding me that He is still watching over me. He was with me in the “before”, in the “during”, and He was/is with me in the “afterward”.

So what did I do?  I took TWO naps the next day.  Drank lots of clean water (We were and are experiencing record-breaking heat).  Put away the holiday food and returned to healthy food.  Spent extra time in the Bible and in prayer.

God’s “still small voice” reassured me of His love and purpose for me, and put me back on track with the work He has given me to do.

Are you having a melt down?

Is your chin dragging on the ground?

• Know that God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life.
• Establish a relationship with God through His Son, Christ Jesus. (See how to do this on the back of the pamphlet,  GOOD MORNING GOD (See below.)
• Take care of your physical needs.
• Some needs require professional medical treatment. If you had diabetes, you would not be reluctant to seek professional care. If you are experiencing depression or other conditions, please see your primary care physician for assistance.

May God’s blessings, peace, and joy be yours,

Patty

GOOD MORNING GOD–a collection of scriptures to begin your day with a prayer to receive Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord. Feel free to download the pamphlet for your use and to share.

Blessed Connections:

Therese Marszalek Ministries–Bringing Hope and Healing for Today  www.theresemarszalek.com

Gateway Church, Pastor Adam Fox–Pointing the Way to Jesus–www.gatewayspokane.org