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Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, 'So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I don't make your life as the life of one of them by tomorrow about this time!' When he saw that, he arose, and ran for his life, and came to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there. But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree. Then he requested for himself that he might die, and said, 'It is enough. Now, O Yahweh, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.' 1 Kings 19:1 WEB

Elijah just had a major breakthrough in his life on top of Mount Carmel. He had won a showdown with 850 false prophets. God backed him up by answering with fire from heaven. Then Elijah prayed and brought rain, ending a three and a half year drought (James 5:17). He outran a chariot in a sixteen mile race back to town (1 Kings 18:46). This was certainly a high point in Elijah's life. A season of major breakthrough. It seemed that he could do no wrong. Yea, things were going great.

Right behind the victory though, came sudden fear and discouragement. Elijah had to run for his life. He ran into the wilderness and then sat down under a tree and prayed that he might die, completely drained, tired, and burnt out. He lost his appetite and was consumed with self-pity. The man of God was now in a gloomy, dark place in his life. He had gone from hot as fire, to as cold as ice, from feeling like a hero, to feeling like a zero.

The Lord asked him: 'What are you doing here Elijah?' After Elijah carefully explained his circumstance, and how it was only him against the entire nation of Israel, the Lord gave him a new task. Elijah now had a fresh vision, and a renewed hope.

Anyone that has walked with the Lord a while has had something go differently than they planned. You don't always get what you want, the way you want, when you want it. Be assured that every time that you fall down, give up, and pray to die, God is going to say 'What are you doing here again? Get up. There is still work to do.' So today, if you are ready to give up, hide under a bush and sleep, have hope.

Sometimes the greatest defeats follow amazing breakthroughs. When that happens, get somewhere quiet, pray, and get a fresh vision from God for what is next. Your journey is not over until you will no longer get up.

Prayer: Heavenly Father please give me a fresh vision for my life. Renew my hope. Take away the doom and gloom and help me focus on knowing You. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray.

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