How Quickly I Forget
BRD REFLECTIONS:
1 Kings 19:1-21 and Psalm 89:46-52 (NIV)
(Timothy Ho, Associate Pastoral Team Member, Youth Ministry)
READ:
1 Kings 19:1-21 and Psalm 89:46-52 (ESV)
I paid special attention to Elijah’s heart in these verses.
v3 “Then he was afraid, and he arose and ran for his life…”
v4 “…And he asked that he might die, saying, “It is enough now, O LORD, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers.””
v10, v14 “I have been very jealous for the LORD, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away.”
OBSERVE:
Prior to this passage, Elijah had already been used by God for many incredible miracles. Despite these, Elijah was still fragile and human. Immediately after a great victory over the prophets of Baal, he was filled with fear when his life was threatened (v3). Despite having righteous desires (v10,14), he became deeply depressed when he considered the fruitlessness of his ministry (v4).
Nevertheless, God revealed Himself to be gracious and kind. He provided for Elijah’s needs in the form of shade, nourishment, and rest (v5-8). God was present with Elijah amidst hisO distress (v12) and He gave him a promise of future hope (v18).
APPLY:
In my personal faith, I am frequently reminded of how broken and sinful I am. In ministry, it is also easy to become discouraged about how there often seems to be little to no progress in some areas despite persistent efforts.
Hence, when the temptation to despair arises, it is important to remember past victories over sin in my journey of sanctification. Also, I must remind myself of the ‘highs’ in ministry – joyful moments, answered prayers, and the presence of fruit that has been borne.
It is also comforting to remember the kind of God I worship. He is a provider who is ever present and has given me THE eternal promise of hope through Jesus Christ. I can turn to Him!
DO:
I am quick to forget about the goodness of God. Hence, I will persist in my habit of journaling, especially in moments of spiritual significance, in both the highs and lows of faith and ministry. This will help me to track and recall how God delivers me and refines me through the peaks and troughs of life.
PRAY:
Dear Lord, when I fall into despair and doubt, help me to remember how You have delivered me so often before. Remind me of how You are kind and gracious to me. Help me to turn to You in these difficult moments. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
