A Prayer Made in Discouragement
With God’s assistance, Elijah instigated a victory over the religion of Baal which had consumed Israel (1 Kings 18:1-46). In a series of tests, Elijah demonstrated the power of God over the supposed power of the priests of Baal, resulting in the execution of many of Baal’s priests. Elijah may have believed that this victory would be a turning point for the people and bring them back to the worship of the one true God. However, when Jezebel, the queen, heard what had happened, she sent a threat to Elijah (1 Kings 19:1-2). Although the account does not say exactly why, Elijah decided to flee from the threat and from the land (1 Kings 19:3).
Elijah journeys first to Beersheba (1 Kings 19:3) then travels further on alone into the wilderness. After a day, Elijah stops to rest under a juniper tree and issues a prayer to God that speaks to the discouragement in his heart. He tells God that he has done enough, and prays for God to take away his life (1 Kings 19:4).
After falling asleep, an angel visited Elijah informing him to arise and eat (1 Kings 19:5). When he arose, Elijah found that food and water had been laid out for him. This cycle then repeated itself, with Elijah laying back down and sleeping followed by an angel visiting him and instructing him to rise and eat food and water that had been laid out for him. This time, however, Elijah journeyed forward forty more days (1 Kings 19:6-8).
Eventually, Elijah’s journey takes him to Mount Horeb, one of the peaks of Mount Sinai. Here, while Elijah took shelter in a cave, God sent a message to Elijah, asking him what he was doing there. Elijah’s response again expresses his discouragement. He responds that Israel had fallen away from serving God. He then tells God that all of His other prophets have been slain, and although he is the only one left, his life is in danger, too (1 Kings 19:8-10).
In response, God instructs Elijah to go outside from the cave. After doing so, three incredible displays happen. First, a wind strong enough to break rocks covers the mountains. The wind is followed by an earthquake, which is in turn followed by a fire. Although doubtlessly awesome in their magnitude, the scriptures indicate that God’s presence was not in the wind, earthquake or fire. However, after the fire dies down, God speaks to Elijah in a still, small voice (1 Kings 19:11-12). The small voice repeats the question posed earlier, asking Elijah what he is doing there. The scriptures record Elijah’s answer to be almost word for word the same as his original response. Israel has fallen away from their promise to serve God, slain His prophets, and seeks to kill Elijah (1 Kings 19:13-14). This time, however, God responds to Elijah with directions to leave the wilderness to seek out a new king for Israel (Jehu) and to anoint a new prophet to server God (Elisha). God also offers reassurance to Elijah that despite his discouragement, God’s plan would result in triumph over the followers of Baal, and that there were those who were faithful to God left in Israel (1 Kings 19:15-18). The chapter ends with Elijah obeying God’s commandment, finding and anointing the new prophet, Elisha (1 Kings 19:19-21).
Faith – The Vaccine Against Discouragement
The events depicted in 1 Kings 18 depict how Elijah was be prominently used by God against the religion of the false god Baal. As a result, when the forces of evil pushed back, Elijah was placed in a position to feel personally endangered. The victory over Baal was not going as he had thought it would. Although Baal’s priests were slain, Jezebel, the queen who promoted Baal’s worship, was now vowing to take Elijah’s life. Perhaps worse, the people weren’t turning back to God in the way Elijah felt they would. This difference between his personal expectations and the reality unfolding around him was enough to drive Elijah to such a state of discouragement that he fled into the wilderness.
Jesus warned his followers that the world would hate them, just as they hated him (John 15:18-22). He also taught that those who hated him in turn hated God Himself (John 15:23). In an age that is so diametrically opposed to God and His ways as to “hate” Him, those who seek to follow God today should not be surprised if they feel as if they are opposed, or even threatened (1 Peter 4:12-13). Although some are facing great physical danger because of their faithfulness to God, as Elijah was, some also face a subtler but still destructive threat. For generations, the Bible has prepared God’s followers to be prepared for the great “time of trouble,” during which the world’s systems begin to be dismantled in earnest. It can, perhaps, at times be easy for even those who have been blessed with an understanding of God’s plan to become swept away by the emotional events of the day. History has demonstrated, time and again, that God’s time frame is absolute, even though it is not always understood by even His most scholarly followers. Just as Elijah became discouraged by what he perceived as events not happening according to his expectations, God’s followers today can be at risk of discouragement as the systems and institutions of mankind begin to unravel.
In Hebrews 11, Paul discusses the importance of faith to God, going so far as to say that without faith, it is impossible to please Him (Hebrews 11:6). As the time of trouble continues forward, increasing in all its threatening intensity, faith will become increasingly important to God’s followers. As Paul suggests, it is a time to watch and stand fast in faith (Hebrews 3:12). It is one thing to have studied the prophecies of the Bible; it is yet another to experience them unfold across everything and everyone that one has known. In such a time, it is increasingly important for God’s followers to help each other remain rooted in the faith that all things are happening according to God’s plan. In his prayers to God, Elijah admitted that he felt alone; that all of God’s other prophets had been slain and the people had abandoned God, heightening his feeling of discouragement. In Hebrews 3:12-13, Paul emphasizes the importance of supporting the faith of one’s brethren (Hebrews 3:12-13). Just as Elijah was at special risk because of the role he played in serving God, those who exhibit faith in God today can expect to have that faith tested, and will find strength in standing together (1 Peter 5:8-10).
Two Prayers Made Under Threats, Contrasted
During his initial flight into the wilderness, Elijah prays to God to end his life. Elijah had done a great deal in God’s service. When many of his people abandoned God in favor of the false idol Baal, Elijah stood firm. With God’s support, he stood up to the king, Ahab, in God’s defense. He obeyed God’s commands when God told him to hide, and understood that God could do miraculous things to support him, such as cause ravens to bring him food (1 Kings 17:1-6). After that, God sent him to a widow to shelter him. Elijah witnessed God’s power again, as the widow’s supplies miraculously replenished themselves to sustain Elijah, the widow, and her son (1 Kings 17:9-16). After the widow’s son became sick to the point of “no breath being left” in him, Elijah even saw his prayer for the restoration of the boy to be answered (1 Kings 17:17-24). More than most, Elijah had reason to believe in the power of God. Yet, in his later discouragement, Elijah puts himself in the position of telling God that he, Elijah, had done enough.
Many centuries later, God’s only begotten Son, Jesus, took on human form and began his ministry. Although Jesus probably had a deeper understanding of God’s plan than Elijah, more was also expected of Jesus. Jesus was aware of the threats growing against him, and that those threats would ultimately culminate in his death. Despite that, Jesus was still expected to fulfill every detail of God’s law, such that the life he sacrificed would be perfect. Only by willingly sacrificed a life that he was entitled to under God’s law (Leviticus 18:4-5) could Jesus provide the corresponding ransom price for Adam, redeeming mankind from the death sentence incurred by Adam’s disobedience (Genesis 3:17-19, 1 Corinthians 15:22).
Jesus did not flee from the threats growing against him. As he felt the time of his arrest and death approaching, Jesus offered a very different prayer to God than Elijah’s. He prayed that if it would be possible, that God would “let the cup pass” from him. However, in the very next sentence, Jesus humbly but strongly added “nevertheless not as I [Jesus] will, but as thou {God] wilt” (Matthew 26:39). Later, during his arrest, Peter attempted to defend Jesus. Jesus instructed Peter to stop, telling him that he intended to “drink the cup his Father hath poured” for him. This demonstration of absolute faith in God, so perfectly exemplified in Jesus, is the exact opposite of the despair that would lead one to tell God “it is enough.”
God Always Provides; Not What is Wanted, but What is Needed
After his initial flight into the wilderness, Elijah stopped to rest. While stopped, Elijah issued his prayer to God, informing God that he has done enough, and asking God to take away his life. After sleeping, Elijah is awakened by an angel, and finds a cake of bread and some water laid out for him. Elijah then sleeps again, and after further sleep, the angel again awakens him, and he finds more food and water. This time, though, the angel tells him that he needs to eat because “the journey is too great for thee.”
God did not command the angel to chastise Elijah for a shortage of faith or for not trusting in God to provide a triumph over Jezebel. God also provided Elijah with rest, food and drink before indicating that there was more to do. Further, God provided Elijah with what he needed for sustenance; food and water, not an elaborate feast. Lastly, God did not answer Elijah’s prayer directly. Instead, God provided Elijah with what he needed to continue on in God’s service, then provided him enough direction to move forward.
When teaching his followers how to pray, Jesus indicated that God knows what His people need before they even ask Him (Matthew 6:8). Elijah, in the depths of his discouragement, perhaps did not need, or maybe could not handle, chastising words or even direction to keep moving forward in God’s service. God saw that Elijah needed to be restored physically first, with rest, food and drink, which was lovingly provided. God also perhaps saw that after being restored physically, Elijah may need a gentle prodding to move forward.
On the surface, it seems as if God did not answer Elijah’s prayer. However, God had more for Elijah to do. Regardless of the intensity of emotion behind a prayer, if a prayer is not in line with God’s purpose, He will not grant it (James 4:3). However, those who seek God’s will are assured that He will always be with them, and that His will and overruling will be done in their lives (Psalm 145:17-18). When one consecrates their lives to God, an unbreakable, irrevocable promise is made. All of one’s heart, mind, will and energy, not just for that one day, but for the rest of one’s life, is given completely to God (Philippians 3:13, 14, Revelation 2:10). During that lifetime, there will be difficult experiences, possibly even times of discouragement. However, the consecrated heart can always rely on God’s care and guidance, even when one’s energy level is low. When it seems like God is not answering one’s prayer, it may be the exact time to take a wider, closer look at one’s life and look for what God is providing, whether in terms of physical sustenance, spiritual nourishment or guidance for how to keep moving forward in His service.
The Powerful Displays and the Still Voice
After reaching Mount Horeb, God asks Elijah what he is doing there. Elijah’s answer reveals that even though it is several weeks later, he is still in the depths of discouragement. Perhaps to gain Elijah’s full attention by reminding him of His power, God directed Elijah to watch a series of spectacular natural events. After the events, God repeated his question, and although Elijah repeated the same answer, perhaps the spectacles had caused him to be in a frame of mind to be receptive to God’s direction.
Although it can be difficult at times to understand or accept, God, the Supreme Power, is lovingly patient with His followers (2 Peter 3:9). Instead of becoming angered at Elijah for his discouragement, God provided sustenance for him, and even arranged natural events to “snap” him to attention. God can read each heart (Jeremiah 17:10). He fully understands what each of His followers need at any point in their lives of service to Him.
Moreover, God’s consecrated followers today have a great advantage that Elijah did not have. In order to please God today, one must truly accept Jesus as the only means for salvation (John 14:6, Acts 4:12). The standard for consecrated service to God is perfect and complete obedience to Him and His will. Being still of the fallen creation, this standard would be impossible for any except Jesus himself to meet. Discouragement, therefore, might be expected, as no matter how hard one may try, failures are still inevitable, and the consecrated life deviates from what the heart intends it to be. However, Jesus himself has promised to act as an advocate on behalf of those who stumble during their consecrated lives (1 John 2:1). With God’s patience and Jesus’ advocacy, all discouragement in the lives of the consecrated can be overcome as long as their hearts and minds remain dedicated to serving God to the best of their ability.
When God finally speaks to Elijah, His voice isn’t in the spectacular displays of the wind, earthquake or fire (“and the Lord was not in [them]” – I Kings 19:11-12). Instead, God delivers his instructions to Elijah in a still small voice after the events have died down. When one is in a discouraged mood, it may be helpful to take stock of the events that are happening in one’s life. Perhaps there are events, physical, emotional or spiritual that may feel like a windstorm that rattles comfortable or sure things, or an earthquake that shakes even the foundations of life, or a fire that burns established structures. These events may be difficult to bear, or even witness. However, these events may serve God’s purpose in drawing our attention back to Him; to see Him and His power such that once our full attention is back on Him and not our own discouraged thoughts, the mind and heart may once again be open to His direction.
In Summary: Prayer Answered According to God’s Purpose, not Man’s Expectation
Elijah was privileged to be directly used by God. Standing up for God to the king and to the priests of Baal required a great deal of faithfulness. However, when Israel did not turn back to God as he anticipated, culminating in Jezebel’s threats against his life, Elijah became discouraged to such an extreme that he prayed to God to end his life. God answered Elijah’s prayer, not according to Elijah’s will, but to God’s own purpose. He provided His servant with food and rest, eventually followed by a demonstration of His power. At the proper time, according to God’s perfect judgement, God gave Elijah direction for moving forward in His service.
Following God today requires a great deal of faith; enough faith to believe many things that the world considers foolish or untrue. Consecration to God requires enough faith to firmly and permanently set aside many earthly pursuits and priorities that most people find enjoyable or enriching. Serving God requires enough faith to discern and appreciate the truth of His character and plan above the many false doctrines and religions that continue to permeate society. However, like Elijah, even God’s faithful ones may become discouraged by world events, a perceived lack of progress, experiences of loved ones, failures or stumblings, or any number of other reasons. During such times, the consecrated heart rightfully turns to God for comfort and guidance. He may not attract one’s attention through a physical earthquake or fire, but nonetheless, the scriptures offer assurance that He will provide what is needed to those who love Him.
This post is inspired by R2333-2334, “A Discouraged Reformer,” which reviews and reflects on the events of 1 Kings 19. Although beyond the scope of this article, the article also suggests symbolic applications for the wind, earthquake, fire and small voice described in the chapter.
