#and so you are most susceptible to what's happening because you're in a downward spiral and will cling to any

[bandtrees]

“Sasha.” He murmurs into her mouth. “Yes.” She confirms. It’s me — I know — Me too — You’re welcome — like a cold reader. The kind of con he would have laughed out of the Institute. But his head’s worn down, his heart even moreso. He’s tired of thinking. —— John has one assistant he still trusts.

woe, spooky little john(not!)sasha thing i wrote be upon ye

[timhatchlive]

In Christ, You're Never Really Alone

The picture of Elijah from 1 Kings 19 is far different than the one we've seen so far. We remember how he triumphed gloriously over the prophets of Baal and then called down rain from heaven in 1 Kings 18. God has shown Himself powerful through this man on the nation's grandest stage. Yet one simple threat from Jezebel is enough to send him spiraling downwards. 1 Kings 19:1–3 (ESV) Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. 2 Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “So may the gods do to me and more also, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by this time tomorrow.” 3 Then he was afraid, and he arose and ran for his life and came to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there.

Let's be honest. We have all been here. Riding the high of a victory we are often susceptible to the voice of a single critic or enemy. We may get to a place where we let personal triumphs make us think we are impervious to acrimony. Nothing could be more untrue. There is always a hater no matter what you do. For Elijah, that's Jezebel. 

Elijah runs. The man who charged ahead in God is now running for a pagan queen. He's exasperated and defeated. He feels the weight of the world on his shoulders. He is ready to die. 

1 Kings 19:4 (ESV) But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a broom tree. 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.”

The problem for Elijah is common. We all get tempted to throw in the towel. We all get isolated by our troubles and trials. We can all fall into the trap of thinking no one is there for us and we may as well be dead. But I love what happens in this passage so that we can learn that though we may feel alone, with the Lord we are NEVER as alone as we think.

1 Kings 19:5–7 (ESV) And he lay down and slept under a broom tree. And behold, an angel touched him and said to him, “Arise and eat.” 6 And he looked, and behold, there was at his head a cake baked on hot stones and a jar of water. And he ate and drank and lay down again. 7 And the angel of the LORD came again a second time and touched him and said, “Arise and eat, for the journey is too great for you.”

So this is the third time Elijah is miraculously fed. The first time by ravens, the second time by a poor starving widow, and now at his lowest moment - by none other than angels. God shows up in the most precious way when Elijah is at his weakest. Isn't that beautiful? He will do the same for you. 

Psalm 34:18 (ESV) The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.

This may surprise you but God is closest to you when you feel the emptiest and weakest. He takes pleasure in lifting up and encouraging His sagging warriors. You may not be at the top of your game, but God's grace is ready to pull you through. 

Elijah doesn't even get the message. 

1 Kings 19:9–10 (ESV) There he came to a cave and lodged in it. And behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and he said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 10 He said, “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.”

This is interesting because he KNOWS full well he is not the ONLY ONE left. And the Lord will soon inform him of 7,000 preserved for Himself. But here's where I want to en for this post: When we think we are alone, we are NOT. Even if in the human realm we were really alone I have great news - there are angels ready to serve those who inherit salvation (See Hebrews 1:14). 

You aren't alone. God has a warrior host ready to help. Lift up your head.

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