So Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “May the gods punish me and do so severely if I don’t make your life like the life of one of them by this time tomorrow!” –1 Kings 19:2 (HCSB)
I read this text as part of my Scripture reading today and needed to mull it over for a bit before responding. Why? Why would she do that besides simply being pure evil?
Then it struck me. Any time I have ever stepped out on faith and done something crazy for God – even if I have fallen on my face in the process – someone has taken offense at my actions. I understand that we’re all in a spiritual battle. I get that. But it’s more than that. Any time you step out and do something out of the box for Jesus, you will be attacked. You will be threatened. You will face hardships and pains. There will be blood. Get ready. It’s going to happen.
A favorite pastor of mine once said that when it comes to troubles, either you just came out of one, are in one, or are on your way into one. That’s absolutely true – ESPECIALLY if you’re doing something big for Christ.
I don’t know who reads this. I don’t know if this is helpful or if it causes a concern in you. For me, it’s helpful to know that even Elijah, after the showdown at Mt. Carmel in 1 Kings 18, feared and ran from the queen even though he had just led the slaughter of 450 prophets of Baal.
450 prophets = no problem. 1 pissed-off woman = big problem.
Are you doing something so big that it ignites anger in someone who doesn’t get it? How are you responding? Are you relying on Jesus to overcome, or like Elijah, are you running scared? Stand firm in Jesus.
