Christians are not men and women who are weak and needed to depend on God. Rather, the difference is that they know the Source of their strength and power.
They are not depended on their ability, cleverness, talents, intellectual abilities but in all these, they exchange for a better and bigger reality than their own tiny lives.
Elijah is a powerful and anointed prophet of God. He lived a solitary and I believe often a seemingly lonely life. He has given his all to the Almighty God and yet the world that he lived in was not too kind to him. It was a world of injustice and poverty. He had to see people eating their own children, they were so poor that they were eating donkeys' head. Maybe he questioned why were all these injustice despite the existence of a real, benevolent, all-powerful and al-mighty God that he knew so well.
Living for God is not necessarily a smooth, trouble free life. I believe many find it even harder as compared than before they were called by God. They may be doubts, uncertainties, things that we would never understand and that really challenge our faith in Him.
Many great men and women of God were greatly inflicted physically or emotionally as they whole-heartedly serve God. Many were even killed during the process.
Why did this happen? Why would someone still willingly serve the Lord when they knew that what they get in return may not be the good and wealthy life that the world may expect?
The have seen a reality, bigger and more real that life itself. They have seen into the heavenly reality. They have decided to not to live selfishly and to indulge in transient pleasure of this passing life. They realise that what they are going through here and now on earth is nothing compared to the surpassing glory that they will receive in the eternal presence of God.
That reality, if men and women failed to see, would often walk themselves into depression, bitterness and self-pity for life, even as a Christian may not always seem to go all rosy and well.
Only the meek (acknowledge their Master) but strong (in faith) men and women will inherit the promise of the kingdom. For they know everything and all things are in the hands of the Lord who owns Heaven and Earth.
Despite all these, the Lord promises us:
"The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." (Deuteronomy 31:8)
"But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded." (2 Chronicles 15:7)
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."(Joshua 1:9)
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.(Isaiah 41:10)
What a mighty God we have! We are able because He is able :) Glory to God!!
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