Walking With Christ

Elijah: 1 Kings 19:4 (4)But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he asked that he might die, saying, “It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers.”(ESV)
Jesus: Matthew 26:38-39 (38)Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.” (39)And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.”(ESV)
David: Psalm 13:1-2 (1)How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? (2)How long must I take counsel in my soul and have sorrow in my heart all the day? How long shall my enemy be exalted over me?(ESV)

Here are the biggest names in the bible having some of the darkest times of their lives. All three of these found themselves in places where they either wanted to die for felt far from God. These stories remind us that even the biggest names of the bible had major trials to overcome. Each of them also overcame those obstacles through faith in those dark moments. God sent Elijah an angel to cook for him before telling him to take a nap. David went on through a long series of trials where he was said to be a man after God’s own heart. Jesus? We all know how that went. Jesus, who had given up divinity to live purely as a man, went on to fulfill all of the prophecies of old in order to provide the only way to reconciliation with the Father.

This gives me encouragement because I know that even the most important names in the bible had incredible struggles. I know that I will walk through valleys again. I know that I will see all new peaks as well. When they come, I know that I will not be alone. The valleys and darkness that these biblical giants walked through aren’t simply historical anecdotes but rather, they are perfect mirrors for the very struggles we each face in our own lives. Whether we are facing our own Gethsemanes, broom tree, or Psalm of lament, we know the faithfulness of the Father and His love will endure forever.

So, like Paul says 2 Corinthians 4:8-9, “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”(ESV) Let’s not walk in despair but in hope, grounded in the testimonies of those who’ve gone before us.

Amen!