Yesterday we saw Elijah “strong,” a bold Man of God!

A Prophet whose prayers moved Heaven, had the very Ear of God!

Today … we see him at his “lowest!”

Discouraged … yet he still prays!

Soon after Elijah prayed fire down on that water soaked sacrifice, proving God to be God! Soon after he dispatched (executed) all those false prophets of Baal! Soon after he prayed down the rain, after a three and a half year drought!

Jezebel, perhaps the most wicked Queen Israel ever had, threatened Elijah’s life.

Ahab the apostate King had just gone back to the palace and …  “told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and withal how he had slain all the prophets with the sword.” Then, immediately: “Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by to morrow about this time.” 1st Kings 19:2, you will be dead by tomorrow!

This, surprisingly, frightened Elijah!

And he ran!

“And when Elijah saw that, he arose, and WENT FOR HIS LIFE, and came to Beersheba (100 miles south), which belongeth 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: and HE REQUESTED FOR HIMSELF THAT HE MIGHT DIE; and said, IT IS ENOUGH; NOW, O LORD, TAKE AWAY MY LIFE; FOR I AM AM NOT BETTER THAN MY FATHERS. And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat. And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head. And he did eat and drink, and laid him down again. And the angel of the LORD came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee. And he arose, and did eat and drink, and went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God.” 1st Kings 19:3-8

That’s not like Elijah at all!

Perhaps he was emotionally exhausted!

Perhaps this is the “let-down” after an such an exhilarating experience! What a “victory” God had just send the righteous in Israel!

Perhaps, physically, the man merely needed sleep, exhaustion having engulfed him!

Yet, as I said, he prayed!

Again … “He requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O LORD, TAKE AWAY MY LIFE; for I am not better than my fathers.”

Wow!

Here’s a prayer of Elijah’s God did NOT answer!

Watch him accuse himself, degrade himself: “I am no better than my fathers.”

Watch him “give up,” becoming nearly suicidal!

Watch him starving with hunger … and not even wanting to eat!

WE ARE NEVER OUR BRIGHTEST MENTALLY, EMOTIONALLY, AND MAYBE SPIRITUALLY TOO, WHEN WE ARE DISCOURAGED, FEARFUL OR FRETFUL!

I told you earlier that prayer in the life of any man or woman is “cut” from the “fabric” of their very character, their very being. One “prays” as one “lives.” Unfaithful men do not pray faithful prayers! Undiscerning women do not pray incisive prayers!

And this “pleading-to-die” Elijah is now going to receive a visit from an angel of the Lord! Food, water … twice! And some rest as well!

Now let me show you something today.

Even a GIANT can pray some pretty senseless prayers.

Even this great Prophet needs help as he prays!

And help he gets!

God comes on the scene!

Like a Comforter!

There by Elijah’s side!

Miraculously strengthening him!

Food that gave nourishment for forty days and nights!

For a trip all the way to Horeb, all the way to Mont Sinai!

What a journey!

About 200 more miles, by foot!

My brothers and sisters in Christ, the same Lord stands by us in our times of discouragement too.

The Greek word “Comforter,” used often by Jesus of the Holy Spirit, translates the noun “parakletos.” It means “one who is called to come and stand by your side” … to help and strengthen and encourage, to embolden as well!

And this Holy Spirit, when I do not know how to pray properly (as Elijah in Beersheba, “Lord take away my life”) prays in my stead! Prays for me! Intercedes wisely on my behalf!

And “kill me” suddenly becomes “protect me, guide me, enable me!”

Romans 8:26 describes this. “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but THE SPIRIT ITSELF MAKETH INTERCESSION FOR US with groanings which cannot be uttered.”

The next verse too, “He (the Spirit) maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.”

Enjoy your relationship with God, with the Godhead, with the precious Holy Spirit! Learn to, using Paul’s word, “commune” with the Holy Spirit hour by hour. Practice leaning on Him as you pray.

Jude calls this, “praying in the Holy Ghost.” Jude verse 20, precisely.

God was so good to Elijah that day long ago … because Elijah was a better Follower than his defeatism revealed on that specific occasion.

There’s more tomorrow, of course.

Friends, pray today, realizing the Holy Spirit is present to help you too.

Amen.

— Dr. Mike Bagwell