Distress After Great Spiritual Exploits

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Thursday, 26 April 2012 05:12

[Read 1 Kings 18:19-19:18]

Elijah appeared suddenly as an embodiment of God’s wrath. Wherever he went there was destruction: draught, famine, fire, or a torrent of rain. He seemed to have dominion over the forces of nature, and among men he was the mighty one. He challenged the prophets of Baal and Asherah in a contest of worship on mount Carmel, and he defeated them by calling on the name of the Lord (1 King 18:19-39). Yet, no sooner had he defeated the prophets of Baal and Asherah, he ran for his life and asked that he might die, saying, ‘It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life…” (1 kings 19:3-4). He became distressed. We are so much like Elijah or perhaps we should say that Elijah was so much like us.

The Scripture says that Elijah was a man of like nature with us (James 5:17). Peter confirmed this. He walked on the waters, but only to cry after that experience, Lord save me I perish (Matthew 14:28-30). It seems to be the case that after a great spiritual blessing or triumph God’s people become distressed, disheartened and sometimes bitter towards God because things did not turned out exactly the way we expected, or because of God’s humbling to protect our souls from pride, etc. (2 Cor. 12:1-10).

Moments of spiritual distress are, however, teaching moments. Paul needed to learn that the grace of God is sufficient. Peter needed to learn that he must walk by faith and not by sight. There is always something to learn during our spiritual distress. Perhaps the Lord is teaching us about humility as in the case of Paul or about walking by faith, as in the case of Peter or to delight ourselves in Him and not in some attainment. When you are spiritually distress pay careful attention to hearing from the Lord. It may even be about God’s ministering comfort to your soul.