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LENT REFLECTION (DAY 14)

The theme for our reflection is Elijah’s Despair. Despair is the complete loss or absence of hope. Elijah experienced a state of despair when he became a fugitive in Israel and was being threatened and pursued by Jezebel, the King’s domineering and influential wife. Serving God is fulfilling yet can sometimes be overwhelming in situations when oppositions and persecutions become the norm rather than the exception. Elijah experienced despair in that “Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, LORD,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep. (1 Kings 19:3-5)

Dear friend in the Lord, one wonders why Elijah, a prophet of God through whom God had performed great miracles will experience despair. Elijah was an ordinary human being like us who entertained fear and insecurity in the face of danger. Fear and insecurity is the cause of despair, the devil uses fear and insecurity to create doubt in our minds about the glory and power of God at work in our lives. We must understand that regardless of the situation we may be going through in life, God still has plans and purposes for our lives. Our suffering in silence and in loneliness as believers does not curtail God’s love and will in our lives. We are assured by Jesus that “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5:10-12). In other words, like the aviation industry, God has not promised us a turbulent-free flight but He has assured us of a safe landing, therefore do not despair when challenges, oppositions and persecutions come your way on account of your faith in God, by faith and in hope, say with the Prophet Isaiah that “Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation. ” (Isaiah 12:2). Be emboldened this lent season and believe that, like Elijah, the Lord sees and understands your struggles. He provides His angels to guide and encourage you to overcome the battle. Remember as we journey through the lent season and beyond that “Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.” (2 Chronicles 20:15). Shalom.

PRAYER

Almighty God, when the going gets tough, strengthen us not to despair nor give up. May our faith in you enable us to overcome the fear and insecurity in us so that like David we shall say “Surely your goodness and love will follow us all the days of our lives, and we will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. Amen. (Psalms 23:6)

Jean-Paul Agidi (Rev.)