He blessed a child and saw God raise him from the dead. He survived and played a leading role in one of God’s big droughts. He stood up to impetuous rulers who were murdering people like him willy-nilly. The man called down fire from heaven effectively!
“Failure” is not a word we associate with the prophet Elijah.
But Elijah once believed he was failing at faith.
After yet another death threat, he fled. The man had seen miracles. He’d played a part. Elijah knew he had been following and obeying God. But his faith felt like it was faltering as he was rejected again and again:
Alone in the wilderness, Elijah prayed:
“’I have had enough, Lord,’ he said. ‘Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors’.” –1 Kings 19:4
We don’t find God telling Elijah to toughen up and go do another mighty miracle. He wasn’t even immediately asked to witness to anyone else.
Instead, God sent an angel to care for, comfort, and encourage him. There was no reprimand.
God is glorified when we draw near to Him. He chooses to invite us into His presence.
He loves to remind us that He is faithful, even when we fail to be.
That’s exactly what God went on to do for Elijah. Before God gave him another mission, he sent him to a quiet cave. There, Elijah was told:
“Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” -1 Kings 19:11
You probably know what happens next. The wind blows, the earth quakes, fire roars, and God is not in them. God’s presence comes with a gentle whisper.
What humbling comfort!
In our walk with the Lord, we often believe our relationship with God is most wonderful and effective for eternity when we’re on fire. We think that God is most glorified when our impact is earth-shaking. It’s easy to believe that God is working the most through us when our ministries are as powerful as the wind.
God is glorified in the quiet, too.
When you think you’re failing at faith because you’re not making a visible impact on others or seeing any results, remember that God also commands us, for His glory, to:
“Be still and know that I am God” –Psalm 46:10
There’s a time for changing the world and a time for embracing God as He changes our hearts. Worship Him in the stillness.
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Great word Bethany. We need to be still and let God be God. I was just reading about Elijah this morning. Funny how that happens.
I love when what I’m reading in Scripture pops us elsewhere! Go God! Thanks for your encouragement, Christy!
Wisdom worth waiting for! Thanks, Bethany, I finally made it here, and so appreciate this lesson from the life of Elijah.
Aww, thanks Michele! Glad you’re here and thank you for your encouragement in this lesson as well!
What a great word, Bethany! I so need the reminder that I don’t need to be perfect at everything I do — God can still use me for His glory. Thank you for this reminder.
Thanks, Ronja! What a blessing that His power is actually perfected in weakness…weakness I can offer, haha!
“God is glorified in the quiet” – amen! Good word.
Thank you, Kristi!
Well said Bethany! Your post is a needful reminder: God is drawing us near, even in our quiet, less than stellar moments. Thanks for this encouragement.
Thank you! Great news, isn’t it? He is a wonderful Savior!
Yes! “God is glorified when we draw near to Him. He chooses to invite us into His presence.” Love that line! And just like with Elijah, God shows up in our wilderness tenderly caring for our needs.
Thank you, Karen! So amazing that He wants us with Him! And so sweetly, personally cares for us.
Great words Bethany. Be still and know. Yes, He’s always there and waiting and listening.
Thanks for the link-up.
Glad to have you here, Debbie! Thank you. We have a wonderful Savior!
What an encouraging reminder: “Instead, God sent an angel to care for, comfort, and encourage him. There was no reprimand.” This encourages me for times when my faith is weaker. Thanks, Bethany!
Thank you, Lisa, I’m so glad this encourages you too. He helps us with our unbelief!
Great post! I am encouraged. Thank you fir sharing
Thank you! So glad you are encouraged!
Loved your comforting words. It reminded me of a time not so long ago when I went from Business owner to caregiver. I wasn’t one to stay home and there I was at home day after day. I felt like I had failed as a mom and I no longer was making an impact for God’s Kingdom. God showed me something entirely different and I clung to the verse Psalm 46:10 as he showed me just how to be still.