God Hasn’t Given Up on You (So Don’t Give up on Him)

Exhausted and despairing, a Jewish prophet stumbled his way through the Negev wilderness. Covered in dust, his hair matted and his face bearing signs of fatigue and stress, Elijah was a hunted man. And he was alone.

This moment of fear and despair took place sometime in the 9th century BC and is recorded in I Kings 19. It followed perhaps the most victorious moment of Elijah’s life. The famed prophet had dramatically faced down the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel. The Lord had shown Himself mighty through Elijah. The prophets of Baal were humiliated and disgraced. And executed. King Ahab had been humbled. Elijah had been vindicated. The drought came to an end. The nation of Israel had been saved.

Or so Elijah thought.

Rather than concede defeat, Queen Jezebel sent word to Elijah that she would do to him as he had done to the prophets of Baal. In other words, she would execute him by the sword.

Elijah’s victory had turned into a nightmare.

Have you ever come off a spiritual high or a moment of joy — only to find yourself in despair?

Now a wanted man, Elijah fled to Beersheba. He left his servant and proceeded by himself into the Negev, a barren rocky landscape with little available to support life. But Elijah didn’t care. He was a doomed man who felt hopeless.

Elijah collapses beneath a lone broom tree, barely enough shade to shield him, and in utter anguish, he prays, “It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life.”

Do you feel alone, without hope, and ready to give up?

That’s how Elijah, one of the greatest prophets in history, felt. And he felt that way right after a mighty victory! Right after seeing God perform an incredible miracle!

I don’t know what your desert or wilderness is right now, but God does. I don’t know who your Jezebel is, but God does. I don’t know what message of doom you’ve received, but God does.

You may feel like you are at the end of your rope — ready to give up on your career, your family, your marriage, your future, your very life even. You may even feel God has abandoned you. You may feel distant from God. So distant that you can’t sense His presence anymore.

Here’s what I’m encouraging you to do…

Take your feelings of despair to God.

That’s what Elijah did.

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 not better than my fathers.

I Kings 19:4, KJV

One of these days, I want to write a book about Elijah. That last statement “I am not better than my fathers” is very telling. It tells me that, in a culture that treasured family and took generational legacy seriously, Elijah came from a less than distinguished lineage. Perhaps even a disgraced one. The Old Testament often introduces people as the “son of (insert father)” but not Elijah. We’re introduced to him simply as “Elijah, the Tishbite.” It’s as if his family line isn’t worth mentioning — and that’s significant for ancient Jewish culture.

As a result of this, Elijah carried some deep insecurity and a sense of failure. He’s telling God that he has failed – that he (Elijah) is no better than anyone who has come before him (at least no better than any of the men in his family line).

That a bold and anointed prophet like Elijah would see himself as a failure shows how a person’s background and baggage can distort how they see themselves, their life, and their place in this world.

Perhaps you need to consider (or reconsider) how you see yourself, your life, and your place in this world.

Elijah tells God to “take away” his life. For Elijah, his life is no longer worth living.

This is a low point.

Do you feel like you’ve reached a hopeless stage where there is no turning around? Do you feel like a failure? Do you feel like your marriage is over, your family is finished, your future is done, or your hopes and dreams are gone? Do you feel like your life is no longer worth enjoying – perhaps even living?

That’s how Elijah felt. Do you feel that way?

If you were standing in front of me, I’d ask to give you a hug and tell you not to give up. I’d tell you that God loves you. But sometimes…

Sometimes, people may not be there with you. Sometimes, you may not be able to get a hold of anyone who “understands” or who can “say the right things.” Sometimes, you may feel alone. Sometimes, God may want you a little isolated, so you won’t lean on other people. He wants you to come to Him!

If you’re reading this, God still has plans for you. He’s not done with you.

Elijah was at a low point, but he took his pain and grief to the Lord. He got that part right.

In response, God sends an angel to touch him and tell him to eat (I Kings 19:5). God provides food and water for him (I Kings 19:6).

Elijah eats.

God doesn’t solve all of Elijah’s problems right away. He doesn’t fix everything. Sometimes, God won’t solve all your problems immediately. He may only give you short-term instructions — how to take the next step. Just like He does with Elijah. He tells Elijah the next step. He gives him (via an angel) simple instructions. “Arise and eat.”

Elijah obeys and eats. And then rests some more.

Then the process repeats (verses 7 and 8).

Sometimes, we just need to walk our way through the desert one small step at a time, taking the time (under God’s leadership and sovereignty) to refresh and rest.

And then…

Elijah heads to Mount Horeb, where he fasts for 40 days and nights (see verse 8). Does that remind you of someone? You see, Elijah thinks of himself as a failure, when in fact, Elijah is serving as a precursor here of Christ! But he doesn’t know that yet. There are a lot of things we also don’t yet know. Let that sink in.

God has a plan. We may not see the entirety of God’s plan or how things will turn out, but it’s a privilege to be a part of God’s plan. Faith is embracing your part in God’s plan — and trusting God with the results.

Then, after his 40-day fast, Elijah hears from God. He first hears a question:

And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there; and, behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and he said unto him, What doest thou here, Elijah?

I Kings 19:9, KJV

“What are you doing here, Elijah?” I love that question! 🙂 Packed full of meaning. But note…

The word of the Lord doesn’t come to Elijah until after he (Elijah) obeyed God’s previous commands (the two simple commands to eat and drink) and after Elijah’s 40-day fast.

Please let that sink in.

If you’re feeling distant from God, if you’re feeling alone, if you’re feeling like God isn’t talking to you…

How about doing right now what you know God has already instructed you to do?

“I can’t do that. I don’t know what God has instructed me to do.”

Yes, you do. You have the Bible, do you not? Here are some things you know God has told you to do:

• Love God
• Pray to God
• Trust God
• Love the people in your life (especially your family, but not limited to your family)
• Read the Scriptures
• Attend church faithfully
• Don’t sin
• Be responsible
• Be honest
• Be a good steward of all God has blessed you with
• I could go on.

There are a LOT of things you KNOW you’re supposed to do. Are you doing them? Why are you expecting an additional word from the Lord when you’re not even obeying the word He has already given you? Think about it.

“But God hasn’t told me how to fix my situation”

Yes, we want the quick fix, don’t we? We want God to fix what we see is broken. Even though our prayers should be geared more toward asking God what HE sees is broken.

For Elijah, what was broken was Jezebel. She was wicked and angry and hateful — and, even after she had been proved wrong, she refused to accept defeat and instead was using the power of the state to hunt him (Elijah) down and kill him!

Listen, God may not fix things your way or on your timetable — but God is always at work. And God is always there. And God will always welcome your prayers.

God has not given up on you. Have you given up on Him?

Assuming you haven’t, then how about reading through the Bible and asking God to show you where you need to improve and what areas of your life you need to surrender fully to Him? And…

How about doing some fasting?

“I can’t fast for 40 days!”

I wouldn’t advise you to go on a 40-day no-food fast (and certainly not a no-water fast). Most people living in 2024 are not in the medical shape to do such a fast. In fact, don’t fast from food at all without first consulting with your physician. Okay?

But… fasting is all about sacrifice.

Can you fast from coffee? from soda? from sugar? from social media? from TV? from (insert whatever)?

Most of us in America (myself very much included) live to eat rather than eat to live. Maybe a fast for you could simply be eating a no-frills, nutrition-only diet for the next 40 days? Nothing “fun.” No sugar. No dessert. Nothing exciting. Just pure nutrition. For many of us, THAT would be a meaningful fast.

There are many Christian resources out there on fasting. Let me plug Patricia Nordstrom’s YouTube channel. That’s just one of many resources available.

My point here is that when it comes to communicating with God, you need to demonstrate your sincere commitment, your sacrificial spirit, and your obedient heart.

God knows who is diligently seeking Him and who is just checking off boxes or going through the motions. And He knows who is fully committed and who is halfhearted in their faith.

So, God asks Elijah a question: “What are you doing here?”

Several layers of meaning to that question. God didn’t tell Elijah to run from Jezebel. Elijah did that. God didn’t tell Elijah to leave his servant in Beersheba. Elijah did that. God didn’t tell Elijah to flee hopelessly into the desert. Elijah did that. Although God used it as an allusion to what Jesus would do years later.

But it’s not just about geography. Elijah felt alone. He felt distant from God. He felt hopeless. Think about God’s question “What are you doing here?” in that light.

Do you sometimes feel hopeless, alone, and distant? God likely will be asking you the same question.

Remember… our God never leaves us nor forsakes us. So if we feel distant… who moved?

And he said, I have been very jealous for the Lord God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.

I Kings 19:10, KJV

In other words… God, I’ve been faithful and zealous for YOU. I’ve served YOU. I’ve championed YOU. I’ve been strong for YOU. And yet… these people have forsaken you, destroyed your altars, and killed your prophets… and now there’s just me. I’m alone. And they’re now coming after me.

Ever feel like that? Here are some examples of how this attitude plays out today…

• “God, I’ve prayed but you don’t answer my prayers. The wicked prosper and I suffer. Why?”
• “God, I love you, but why did you take away my (insert family member or dear friend)?”
• “God, I’ve been faithful at work, and my co-workers curse your name and live ungodly lives, and yet they prosper while I struggle.”
• “God, I serve you, but so-and-so doesn’t. How come you seem to bless them?”
• “God, I pray, I read the Bible, I love you, but my wife doesn’t. All she does is discourage me in my faith.”
• “God, I love you, but my husband doesn’t. I don’t even know if he loves me. Why do you have me in this painful marriage?”
• “God, I try to be faithful to you, but this country keeps getting worse and worse. It’s driving me insane. Are you even there?”
• I could go on and on.

Elijah sounds very similar to Job in his answer to God.

I invite you to read the following verses in I Kings 19 as we see how God answers Elijah…

¹¹ And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the Lord. And, behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake:

¹² And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.

¹³ And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah?

¹⁴ And he said, I have been very jealous for the Lord God of hosts: because the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.

¹⁵ And the Lord said unto him, Go, return on thy way to the wilderness of Damascus: and when thou comest, anoint Hazael to be king over Syria:

¹⁶ And Jehu the son of Nimshi shalt thou anoint to be king over Israel: and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abelmeholah shalt thou anoint to be prophet in thy room.

¹⁷ And it shall come to pass, that him that escapeth the sword of Hazael shall Jehu slay: and him that escapeth from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha slay.

¹⁸ Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him.

There is a lot to unpack here, but let me be brief (as this article is already long)…

• God doesn’t always speak through mighty works and wonders. Sometimes (quite often, in fact) He speaks through a “still small voice,” and that means we have to be attentive and listening in order to hear Him. This is why regular quiet time with God is so crucial.
• God answered Elijah’s complaint and plea with instructions: Go anoint Hazael to be king over Syria, Jehu to be king over Israel, and Elisha to be a “prophet in thy room.”
• God then tells Elijah what will happen to the followers of Baal. They will be judged. And…
• God tells Elijah that he’s not alone. There are seven thousand in Israel who haven’t bowed unto Baal. Elijah didn’t see them, but God knew them!

By the time Elijah’s story wraps, he finds a faithful companion in Elisha and even starts a school for God’s prophets. And the judgment of God is already beginning to unfold (just as God said) on the followers of Baal. What’s more…

Elijah receives an extraordinary and rare honor. He thought he was a failure. He thought he was “no better than his fathers,” but God…

I just love that phrase: “But God…”

God accords to Elijah the honor of escaping death.

Don’t tell me God doesn’t have a sense of humor! Elijah was convinced he was going to die at the hand of Jezebel and wanted God to kill him. God restores Elijah and later sends a chariot of fire to escort the prophet into glory. It’s a powerful, moving honor — with a little touch of divine humor, I believe.

Elisha witnesses it, and takes up Elijah’s mantle and does great and mighty works in the name of God Almighty! And during Elisha’s ministry, Jezebel meets her demise.

Even though Elijah had given up on life and essentially had given up on God…

God hadn’t given up on Elijah.

You may feel like giving up.

Please don’t. Don’t give up. You may feel distant from God. You may feel like your situation is hopeless. It’s not. Not as long as you draw breath and not as long as God is on His Throne.

Don’t give up. Instead…

• Be still and pray.
• And keep praying. Pray without ceasing.
• Trust God that He knows your situation (and everyone involved) better than you.
• Trust that you are praying to the Creator of this Universe and the Worker of all the Miracles in the Scriptures. THAT is Who you’re praying to!
• Pray, pray, pray, pray, pray, pray, pray — every hour if you have to, every day at a minimum.
• Fast. Yes, fast.
• Ask God to show you what He wants you to do — and do it.
• Climb into the Scriptures. Read and study the Bible.
• Get close to God.
• And then let God show you what to do. It may be just one step at a time. Take those steps. Obey Him. Trust Him. Don’t give up on Him.

“But how is this going to fix my (insert problem)”?

If that’s what you’re asking, then please go back and re-read this article again. I say that lovingly, but clearly, you didn’t “get it.” Even better, go read and meditate on I Kings 19. Read it. Re-read it. Meditate on it. Pray over it.

Before you can fix your life, you need to get close to the Maker of Life.

Before you can fix your situation, you need to be close and intimate with the One who is sovereign over all situations.

Get close to God. Okay? That needs to be your highest priority. And then let God direct your paths.

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Proverbs 3:5-6, KJV

Don’t give up on God. He hasn’t given up on you.

God bless you!

For more of my writing, check out…

• “5 Books That Will Help You in Your Faith”
• “God Sees You: 7 Scriptures to Remind You You’re Never Alone”