When failure comes to mind, we always think of people just starting out like John Mark. But failure can happen to anyone irrespective of their level of experience or influence. F. Scott Fitzgerald said, ‘Never confuse a single defeat with a final defeat.’ It’s important to note that not every failure speaks the end of our lives.
There are some people who always perform at the top of their game. When we think of the Prophet Elijah, he is one of those larger-than-life characters. “Now Elijah, who was from Tishbe in Gilead, told King Ahab, “As surely as the Lord, the God of Israel, lives—the God I serve—there will be no dew or rain during the next few years until I give the word!” (1 Kings 17:1 NLT) Now that is a bold move! And so, for three years there was no rain on the land. “Later on, in the third year of the drought, the Lord said to Elijah, “Go and present yourself to King Ahab. Tell him that I will soon send rain!” So Elijah went to appear before Ahab. Meanwhile, the famine had become very severe in Samaria.” (1 Kings 18:1-2) Usually a drought would usher in a famine because there was no water for the plants to grow.
Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal to a contest and exposed them as false prophets, He challenged the people to return to God, He said, ““How much longer will you waver, hobbling between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him! But if Baal is God, then follow him!” But the people were completely silent.” (verse 20) Then he built an altar, saturated the altar and the sacrifice with water and prayed. God responded with fire from heaven and burned up the sacrifice. Then he prayed for rain and God sent rain. That was outstanding ministry. Then he got a message from Jezebel, “May the gods strike me and even kill me if by this time tomorrow I have not killed you just as you killed them.” ( 1 Kings 19:2) Elijah was terrified!
Ministry can be draining; you need to exercise self-care so that you do not experience burn-out in ministry. Elijah was tired and worn out. God did not abandon him because he ran away in fear. God sent his angel to minister to Elijah then gave him directions for his next step. It’s easy to become overworked because the volume of work is so great, but we all need time to rest so that we can be our best for God. Failure is not always fatal.
Thought for Today: Friend, self-care is important in ministry,
Have a blessed day and walk in faith and victory.
Victory Walk 