Defeating discouragement

Scripture for today: Gal. 6:9

Elijah got so discouraged in his ministry that he wanted to die. Fortunately, God had a better plan. What can we learn from the life of this unique prophet?

Take care of your physical needs. Elijah’s emotional struggles stemmed in part from physical deficiencies. Realizing the prophet’s state of hunger and fatigue, God sent an angel two times to urge Elijah to eat (1 Kings 19:5,7). Your body is a temple for the Holy Spirit. Make sure you are eating right, enhancing that with proper rest and exercise.             

Share your burdens with God. Elijah certainly did, lamenting to the Lord that he had gone through enough and was at his wit’s end. Key people in the Bible, especially the Old Testament prophets, weren’t afraid to bare their souls before God.  

Anticipate a visit from God. The first time Elijah prayed, an angel came and ministered to him. Forty days later, God Himself spoke to the prophet in a gentle whisper (1 Kings 19:12).

You may not see an angel or hear a voice, but rest assured God hears your cry and will minister through the Holy Spirit.

Move ahead in the work. God told Elijah to “Go, return on your way to the wilderness…anoint Hazael king over Aram…anoint Jehu…king over Israel…and Elisha …you shall anoint as prophet in your place” (1 Kings 19:15-16). Likewise, God has a specific plan for you as well.  If you don’t know what it is, ask Him to reveal it to you. 

This devotion is based from Gaddis’ book “Manage Your Emotions.”