Do You Ever Feel Lost and Alone?
“…The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.” 1 Kings 19:14b
Elijah had just had a tremendous victory with God on Mount Carmel. It was there that the prophet used the power of God to help put down the gods of Baal. He had taken a stand against 450 prophets of Baal and King Ahab and organized a “prophet duel” of sorts. While the odds were stacked against Elijah, he stood his ground and relied on the power of God Almighty. God responded. He lit the fire that consumed Elijah’s slain bull on an altar that had been soaked with buckets of water. A definite miracle had occurred before thousands of on-lookers.
Elijah’s faith and actions on Mt. Carmel outraged Queen Jezebel. She ordered her army to hunt down Elijah and kill him. Elijah fled to the desert and began begging God to die. Fear and loneliness were all consuming to this worried warrior. Despair filled the cave where he waited for his captors. In his depression, Elijah “…came to a broom tree, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. ‘I have had enough, Lord,’ he said. ‘Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.’” 1 Kings 19:4b
Elijah became more despondent and disheartened. He stopped drinking, eating, or exercising. Then God spoke to him, “What are you doing here?” (1 Kings 19: 13). Elijah poured out his grief to the Lord, and God encouraged him to go back the way he had come and enlist the help of others. God had already prepared 7,000 people who had not bowed down to Baal and would join Elijah, following the call of God upon their lives.
God knew His prophet was feeling alone and overwhelmed, but God wanted him to persevere. There was work for Elijah yet to do!
When we’re feeling alone and without direction, we need to answer God’s question to Elijah: “What are you doing here?” God has you right where you are for a reason. He has a job yet for you to do—a job you’re missing because you’re too worried about “what’s next” instead of “what’s now.” Sometimes the job God has for us to do right now is simply to wait. That is often the toughest assignment of all.
As we pray for God’s direction, let’s remember to listen to His promises and review the past miracles and blessings in our lives. We never stand alone with God. He is our rock, our fortress, our redeemer, and our strength.
The Power of Truth:
“The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge…” Psalm 18:2a
“Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD.” Psalm 27:14
“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew [their] strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; [and] they shall walk, and not faint.” Isa. 40:31 (KJV)
Suggestion for Prayer:
If you are feeling lost and alone, take refuge in the Lord. Ask Him to show you what you’re doing here…and what He’s doing. Ask Him to reveal His presence in your life and to give you the ability to persevere as you wait for direction. Tell Him you will wait.