MONDAY, JULY 18
2 So Jezebel sent this message to Elijah: “May the gods strike me and even kill me if by this time tomorrow I have not killed you just as you killed them.” 3 Elijah was afraid and fled for his life. He went to Beersheba, a town in Judah, and he left his servant there.
1 Kings 19:2-3 (NLT)
WHAT SENT ELIJAH INTO THE CAVE? HE ALLOWED FEAR TO CONTROL HIS MIND.
Have you heard the story of Shrek, the merino sheep that had evaded capture and shearing for six years? When he was finally discovered in his high mountain cave of New Zealand by musterer Ann Scanlan, he was almost unrecognizable as a sheep. The first thing his rescuer did was pin back his wool so he could see to walk. There was such an interest in Shrek’s return that the owner kept him in a pen for weeks so reporters and television stations could broadcast the amazing return of the lost sheep. And then, on live television, world champion shearer Peter Casserly shaved off six years of matted wool. As the shearer worked, he laid Shrek on his side with a foot of wool as his bed.
In 1 Kings 19, Elijah runs for his life and eventually ends up in a cave. It’s interesting in chapter 18 he risked his life for God’s Glory. But in chapter 19 he tries to save his life for his own sake. In this episode he believed the queen’s words and not God’s word. Fear replaced his faith.
Reflection
In the sermon, when Daniel talked about not allowing fear to control your mind, what came to mind for you? Why do you think it’s easy to forget what God has said when we let fear set in?
Praise/Prayer
Praise God for being bigger than your fears. Ask God to help you keep your faith in Him strong when fear tries to set up in your mind.
