Sunday Reflection 9/14

1 King 19:1-5
This was a story basically how Elijah got scared and ran for his life when Jezebel swore by her gods she will kill him. Our pastor applied it to a sermon about how we sometimes get back into our flesh and have fear when we know GOD blessed us and how when we start working in our own flesh and not of GOD we become depressed. He last touched on how in verse 5 the Angel comforts Elijah noting how sometimes we have to take a rest so we don't get burned out when working for the LORD and ask HIM for comfort when we find ourselves depressed.
I look at my own life at how it was times when I was depressed. The times seem even more harsh when I found the LORD and began striving to serve him yet I still get back depressed. I often think it is in times in my life when I become complacent in what I am doing and I tend to boast at least to myself on how much I grew in the LORD. Sometimes it happens when I foolishly pretend I asked GOD for direction when I really wasn't looking for HIS answer so I take things upon myself. I know that GOD wanted me to do big moves over the summer yet I delayed and now I find myself stressed about things that I may have avoided if I had only obeyed. I know that obedience is a ongoing struggle for us both new believers or so called veterans.
As a man I can sometimes distance myself from others trying to handle things myself thinking that its the manly thing to do. That's a foolish concept of men thinking that we are not to consult others and work with others when it comes to matters of faith just to preserve a sense of leadership. True leadership is modeling like GOD did as he came down as his son JESUS CHRIST to serve and show love. I know if I preach or testify on Christian brotherhood, I have to model it as well. Elijah committed that sin when he left his servant and went into the wilderness alone "woah is me.". .I need to have accountability partners in the Church when I find myself battling depression.
I also enjoyed taking time to look at Elijah talking as though he wanted to die. With the promise of being with my FATHER IN HEAVEN. It seems oh so sweet to fast forward to that day but that is selfish. GOD has saved me for so much more. A true believer is filled with the HOLY SPIRIT which gives us a desire to do GOD's will. We are to be beacons of light for the world so we are hear on a mission. I cant give up until my mission is complete. THANK YOU GOD FOR THIS TASK.
Finally I take comfort in knowing that I have to be ok with slowing down and pray for comfort. I think us Christian men want to serve so much that we overwhelm ourselves. We too soon foolishly think we are more than what we are. As if we don't have time to pray because, what would the world do without us. My wife lived 20+  years without me, she will be ok if I stay in the room once all morning praying intensely to GOD for comfort and direction. Every champion I hear or read about mentions the value of preparation. If we are going to be champions for CHRIST we must dedicate ourselves to preparation, and that preparation is prayer! Constantly searching for direction and comfort! GOD BLESS