August 23, 2022
There he came to a cave and lodged in it. And behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and he said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” (1 Kings 19:9) ESV.
Elijah was in a bad way, “But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he asked that he might die, saying, “It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers” (v.4) ESV. He was feeling very sorry for himself. Witnessing God’s care and concern for Elijah is a beautiful thing to see. God knew exactly what Elijah needed. He needed to be refreshed. Elijah slept, and then God sent an angel to bring him food and drink. Then Elijah was restored physically – he was able to go forty days to Mount Horeb on the strength he gained from that food.
However, Elijah was not restored Emotionally or Spiritually yet. When he arrived at Mount Horeb, he went to hide in a cave. God finds him and says, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” He said, “I have been very jealous for the LORD, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away” (vs. 9-10). Elijah is sitting up on the mountain having a pity party.
Friends, has there ever been a time when you felt like you were disappointed by God? Was there something you were trusting Him for, and either it didn’t come to pass, or, when it did, you felt let down because it didn’t turn out as you may have expected it to? May I encourage you in these words, ‘God hasn’t forgotten about you – He knows where you are. He is standing before you today asking, “What are you doing here?” God will never leave you nor forsake you. May we not stand at the mouth of our cave and watch the Lord pass by. Would you pray with me?
Dear Heavenly Father, I come before You. I know that You are a great God. Forgive me for doubting You. Forgive me for taking my eyes off You and focusing on my circumstances. How grateful I am that You will never leave me nor forsake me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
God Bless you, and may your day be Blessed, Friends <><
Encouraging Words: Disappointments are God’s way of saying, “I’ve got something better for you.” Be patient, live life, and have Faith <><
Thoughts by Randall Stapleton is a Daily Devotion brought to you by The Bridge - Learn more at https://wearethebridge.org
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