Text: 1 kings 19:1-4
And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and withal how he had slain all the prophets with the sword. Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by to morrow about this time. And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beer–sheba, which belongeth to Judah, and left his servant there. 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.
MESSAGE
Elijah the man of God had just conducted one of the greatest national revivals in Israel – he was by nature a mountain man. Elijah was bold and daring, he speaks with the authority of a man standing right with God. He was neither afraid of the king nor the backslidden people.
As a mountain man, Elijah has no business with the valley because of the incredible power of God upon his life. So many outstanding miracles had been done by this man, and on this particular occasion, he stood up against 850 false prophets of Baal and grooves and prevailed.
Elijah has a track record of doing big things, among the prophets of God he was one to be reckoned with.
But do great men also have their low? Do they come to the point of despair? Are they also vulnerable? You will discover that they are as human as every other person, and they are subject to human weaknesses.
Sometimes people run to their pastors thinking that they have no problems of their own, the truth is that men of God also go through the valley experience. The Valley is not meant for only some weak Christian so to say but every believer at a point will experience the valley with the assurance that God will be there to help.
In our text of today, Elijah was on the run, there was a message for his head, Jezebel had sworn by her dumb idols to chop off his head. May the Lord rescue you from the hands of those threatening your life in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Elijah was in despair, he was in his valley. He wanted to die. Such a great man becoming so discouraged and weak without the strength to continue. It shows that the valley can be a very difficult experience even for the strong.
Truthfully the battle is not to the strong in the valley, only the hands of God can give succour and help. Elijah said, “I am not better than my Fathers – let me die“. He was overwhelmed and tired, but thank God for His mercy and compassion. God encouraged him.
If you are in your valley, remember that God is with you. We have such a gracious high priest who can feel for us in our utmost our of need – he sympathizes with us when going through the valley experience. (Hebrews 4:15).
Jesus knows when you are weak and down, and he will ever be present to help you in times of trouble. (Psalms 46:1). God sent His angel to strengthen Elijah in his lowest point. The same God will send relief to every one of His Children going through the valley in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
It is refreshing to see the care of God for His children – even for you in the valley. He has promised to be with you in the fire, and through the water of life to keep you safe. Friend, we have victory – our God is Emmanuel even in the valley.
Only those who are not God’s children will lack his help in the valley, David said, “I have been young, and now I am old; I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread“. (Psalms 37:25). So if you are still without Jesus, run to Him today, repenting and trusting in Him – He will receive you and see you through your valley experience.
REFLECTION
This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.
Psalms 34:6
We have a great God who is both merciful and gracious, he will rescue us in the valley. Do you believe it?
God bless you and have a great day.
Listen to the audio message by following this link
