Ever have to use an eraser multiple times on the same question? Ever get so discouraged that you wanted to give up? Brooklyn was discouraged, frustrated, and ready to quit, but we helped her, encouraged her, and challenged her to continue. If you look closely, you can see that she did get the correct answer eventually. We all get discouraged and want to give up, but remember: It’s ok to get down but not to stay down when there’s more work to do. God’s got more for us to do, and He’s really good at encouraging us and helping us back up.
In 1 Kings 19, Elijah had just taken an AMAZING stand against those who rejected God and worshiped the false god Baal. Elijah won a HUGE battle but then had to run for his life since the queen was a Baal worshipper ready to kill him! Elijah was discouraged, ready to give up, and so sad that everything seemed like it was falling apart. Ever been there?!?
Notice what God does to encourage him in 1 Kings 19:5-7: “And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat. 6 And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head. And he did eat and drink, and laid him down again. 7 And the angel of the Lord came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee.” I’m all for multiple naps and “second breakfast”! God gave Elijah rest and fed him before anything else. Elijah had more work to do, but God was willing to help him back up first.
I’m glad Elijah (and Brooklyn) took God’s help, got back up, and kept going. So what about you? We all get discouraged. We all get down. Will you take the encouragement God offers and keep going even when discouragement hits?
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