Day Four of Lent – Spiritual Friendship
February 17, 2024
FEAST OF SAINT SIMEON OF JERUSALEM – 18th FEBRUARY
February 18, 2024
THE 17th OF FEBRUARY
WE ARE EASIER INTIMIDATED WHEN WE ARE EXHAUSTED
And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, also how he had executed 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 do not make your life as the life of one of them by tomorrow about this time. And when he saw that, he arose and ran for his life, and went to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there. 1 Kings 19:1-3.
The darkness in Jezebel could not bear the light in Elijah. Even when all the people were gathered on Mount Carmel, the queen remained in the city because she hated God and could not stand Elijah. It was she who had all the prophets of the Lord put to death. Jezebel had fed and cared for the 850 Baal and Asherah prophets, that Elijah overcame. She knew that God’s power was in Elijah and that if he remained in the city, her own life would be in danger.
There are situations in life when it does not matter how much God has done through us, or how amazing we think we are, because once we believe the lies of the evil one, we get to where “going on to heaven” seems to be the best solution. The same thing happened to Elijah. Just the day before, he was used by God with such power, only for next day to fall into exhaustion and discouragement.
Humility, physical rest and refilling of our inner “tank” with the Holy Spirit are essential to avoid what Elijah experienced. Let us pray, praise the Lord with songs whose words glorify the truth about God, and express our gratitude for all He has done for us, so we may enter into His presence and be refilled with the Holy Spirit. If we do our best to be constantly in right-standing with God and spend time in His presence, we will have much more peace, joy, and hope.
SUGGESTED PRAYER
Dear Lord, please forgive me for all my pride and help me have a humble and grateful heart towards You, to never consider myself better than I really am or that I accomplished something through my own strength. You deserve all the glory, honor and gratitude for all my accomplishments my dear Lord, and without Your help I could not even breathe. Father God, please teach me how to praise You and refill me with Your Holy Spirit, so I can obey Your will and live to please You. Amen.
Source: thetruthstandsforever
