I grew up embracing the joy of salvation. For a long time, I thought that all problems disappeared once you acknowledged Christ as Lord and Savior. While Christianity has tremendous benefits, it’s not a “walk in the park.” Honestly, our affiliation with Christ is a welcome mat for problems. So if you live for Christ, expecting a flowery bed of ease, then trials will seem like the end of the world.
Maybe that’s what happened to Elijah in this text. Maybe he thought his life on earth would always be like his experience on Mt. Carmel – easy street, full of faith and the power of God. Maybe he thought his enemies would suspend their activity once they saw God’s power working in/through him. I’m not sure what he thought in particular, but I’m certain that Jezebel’s death threat ruffled his feathers. Elijah was so rattled by her ferocity that he ran like a coward.
If you feel like Elijah, then let me offer this assurance: your trials are not the end of the world. Trials often validate that you’re on the right path, for Paul told Timothy, “Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12, New Living Translation). More importantly, trials are a down payment on a wonderful future, for Paul also said, “If we endure hardship, we will reign with him (Jesus)” (2 Timothy 2:12, New Living Translation).
Your problems aren’t the end of the world. Hang in there …