Grace When I’m Disappointed
February 17, 2008
Thank you for bearing with me for the last two weeks. As I have said, the Lord provided a way for me to be able to listen to these messages during my treatments. I used each of them as my devotions for the day. God gave me these encouraging messages to lift me up and to lead me to trust in His grace.
This is the third of the series, entitled, “Grace When I Am Disappointed,” by Pastor James McDonald.
Read 1 Kings 18:20-19:10 with me
In this passage, after a time of intense ministry output (1 Kings 18:20-46), after all relational conflicts and after pouring himself to people, after physical exhaustion (1 Kings 18:40-46), and after a major victory (1 Kings 19:1-3), Elijah who’s considered the greatest of the Old Testament prophets, went through depression.
Disappointments (caused by high expectations) - discontentment (results to anger, brooding) - despair (hopelessness) - despondency (”me only me” syndrome) = DEPRESSION.
Elijah chose to be depressed, a desperate place to be. Alone, he went to the wilderness (1 Kings 19:4-5). He focused on the negative (1 Kings 19:10,14) and he forgot God’s provision.
But God got hold of Elijah. He led him to the cure.
1. Let God confront you, He will pursue you. 1 Kings 19:9.
2. Let God reveal Himself to you, He is kind and tender. 1 Kings 19:11-13.
3. Receive God’s provision for you. 1 Kings 19:5-8.
4. Do what God says immediately. 1 Kings 19:15-18.
5. Get involved with people again. 1 Kings 19:19.
Elijah trusted God. He allowed God to work marvelously in and through him. 2 Kings 2:11 says, “…behold, chariots of fire and horses of fire separated the two of them. And Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.”
2 Corinthians 12:9 says, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.”
O Lord, You are indeed Gracious and Tender. You are Kind and full of mercy. You are ever providing me with all the spiritual blessings that I need daily. Blessed be Your Name O Lord. You are Awesome, so Amazing.
O Lord, lead me today to count my blessings; to honor You, and to be faithful to You. You are my Joy and my Peace, my Salvation. Amen.
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