Throughout the course of history, unusual events have occurred which defy the laws of gravity. Skeptics argue that reality has been embellished, like a fishing story, changing each time it is told. Meanwhile, just when it appears you understand the mind of God, a twist of fate leaves you dumbfounded, unable to comprehend why something happened.
On top of Mount Carmel, like a classic western movie, Elijah challenges King Ahab’s prophets to a duel. However, guns are replaced by fire, with the winner burning up the hopes of the loser’s god. According to 1 Kings 18:36-39, Elijah was victorious as the Lord God answered his prayer, sending fire from heaven to consume a sacrifice soaked in water. Unfortunately, this mountain top experience was short lived.
When a king is publicly embarrassed, it usually doesn’t go well for the man that brought him disgrace. Being a poor loser, King Ahab complains to his wife, the most wicked woman in the kingdom, 1 Kings 19:1. Not ready to accept defeat, Queen Jezebel fires back with a death threat, vowing to send a hitman to kill Elijah, 1 Kings 19:2. Forgetting the power of God, Elijah ran down the mountain into a valley of despair, wanting to die than face this trial, 1 Kings 19:3-4.
The average person lives in this valley, where heartbreak, pain and setbacks are a daily occurrence. A spirit of depression hovers over this valley, like a stationary dark cloud, waiting for winds of change. However, the forecast for change looks bleak, leaving a state of hopelessness in your heart.
Dr. Love sends a messenger with a recipe for healing in 1 Kings 19:5-9. Thinking out of the box, God sends an angel to fulfill this subscription of sleep. Although Solomon urges people to avoid slumber in Proverbs, sometimes the best thing for depression is rest. Getting up twice to eat, the food draws Elijah back into a deep sleep. Once revitalized, its time to go back up the mountain.
Whether you are presently on the mountain top, half way or in the valley, God’s voice is only a whisper away, 1 Kings 19:10-13. However, we need to get our lives straightened out before you can have full reception, Isaiah 1:15. If you follow the directions in Isaiah 1:16-17, there is a wonderful promise of hope. Don’t delay in fulfilling; Come reason with God today so you can rise on wings like eagles to the peak, Isaiah 40:31.
by Jay Mankus
