Rely on Jehovah When Under Stress - ELIJAH- " A MAN WITH FEELINGS LIKE OURS"

Elijah served Jehovah during difficult times and faced serious challenges. King Ahab, one of the unfaithful kings in Israel's history, married Jezebel, an evil worshiper of Baal. The two of them filled the land with Baal worship and murdered many of Jehovah's prophets.  Elijah managed to escape. He also survived a devastating famine by relying on Jehovah.  ( 1 Kings 17:2-4, 14-16)  In addition, Elijah relied on Jehovah when he confronted the prophets and worshippers of Baal. He urged the Israelites to serve Jehovah.  (1 Kings 18:21-24, 36-38)  Elijah had plenty of evidence that Jehovah was supporting him during those stressful times.

Read 1 Kings 19:1-4, Elijah became afraid, however, when Queen Jezebel threatened to kill him. So he fled to the area of Beer-sheba. He became so discouraged that "he asked that he might die."  What made him feel that way?  Elijah was an imperfect man, "a man with feelings like ours."  (James 5:17)  Perhaps he felt overwhelmed by stress and physical exhaustion. It seems that Elijah thought that his efforts to promote pure worship had been futile, that nothing in Israel had improved, and that he was the only one still serving Jehovah.  (1 Kings 18:3, 4,13; 19:10, 14) We may be surprised by the reaction of this faithful prophet. But Jehovah understood Elijah's feelings.

Jehovah did not scold Elijah for expressing his feelings.  Instead, he helped Elijah regain his strength.  (1 Kings 19:5-7)   Later, Jehovah kindly adjusted Elijah's thinking by demonstrating His awesome power.  Jehovah then pointed out that he still had 7,000 in Israel who refused to worship Baal.  (1 Kings 19:11-18)  In practical ways, Jehovah showed Elijah that He loved  him.

Next time: Rely on Jehovah When Under Stress - HOW JEHOVAH HELPED US

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