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 19:1–4 WEB.

Elijah had a major breakthrough in his life on top of Mount Carmel when he won a showdown with 850 false prophets. God had confirmed Elijah's words and ministry by raining fire from heaven. Then Elijah prayed and brought rain, ending a three and a half year drought (James 5:17). He had outrun a chariot while on foot in a sixteen-mile race to town (1 Kings 18:46). This was certainly a high point in Elijah's life. He was the man of the hour, living in a season of walking in power. It seemed that Elijah could do no wrong. Yea, things were going great.

Yet, right behind Elijah's victory came sudden and massive fear and discouragement. Elijah had to flee for his life. He ran far into the wilderness, sat down under a juniper tree, and prayed that he might die. Elijah was completely drained, tired, and burnt out. He lost his appetite and was consumed with self-pity. The powerful man of God was now in a gloomy, dark place in his life. He had gone from hot as fire to 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 circumstances and how he felt like it was only him against the entire nation of Israel, the Lord clarified things and gave him a new task. Elijah had needed direction, so the Lord gave him a new vision and refreshed his 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, 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. It's not over yet.

Sometimes the greatest defeats follow amazing breakthroughs. When that happens, get somewhere quiet, pray, and get a fresh vision from God of what is coming next. Your journey is not over until you stop getting 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. Amen!

Note: For those who would like to join us, today we will be hosting our RHM Live Online church service. This is a special time of interactive worship, prayer, fellowship and an inspiring message. All are welcome! The service starts at 10am EST. Here is the link to join: RHM Live. As always, if you have a prayer need, we are here for you! We and the prayer team are ready to lift you up at our private prayer page: RHM Prayer Network.