“And let us not be weary in well doing for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”
Galatians 6:9
Throughout our lives we might take vacations from work to refresh and recharge. However, when it comes to our faith walk, there is no such thing as a faith vacation. At times, people grow weary of the constant tests of faith. They believe God to overcome in one area, only to be challenged in another. This is why the scripture tells us that we are to go from faith to faith and glory to glory. Once we get the victory in one area of our lives, we don’t just rest from faith and take a vacation. It may be tempting, but there is no room for that. The devil never takes a vacation so we don’t have the luxury of taking a vacation from faith.
Sometimes it is after our greatest faith battles and subsequent victories that the temptation to just take a break from using our faith is greatest. Other times it is when we are in the thick of the battle and are being hit from every direction. The devil tries to pile on the challenges to get us to give up.
This is what happened to Elijah as recorded in1 Kings 19. He just achieved one of his greatest victories when he challenged the false prophets of Baal in front of all of Israel and won. This is when God brought fire down from heaven to burn up his sacrifice and show who the true God really is. It was a great victory for Elijah, and it caused Israel to turn back to God while it brought destruction to the false prophets. Yet, after this great victory, the scripture tells us about Elijah in 1 Kings 19:4: “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.” Elijah had become weary of the faith battle. After his great victory, he heard that Queen Jezebel was determined to find and kill him. When he heard this news, he made this request of the Lord. Thankfully, instead of answering Elijah’s request, the Lord sent angels to minister to him and he was strengthened. In fact, it’s right after this moment that the Lord sends him to Elisha and their partnership begins. The devil was working hard to get Elijah to just give up. However, by not giving up, Elijah went on to do many other wonderful miracles of the Lord and he mentored Elisha, who then took over his mantel when Elijah had finished his race.
Often, when we are closest to our victory, the enemy will turn up the heat with thoughts of defeat and hopelessness. However, if we are not weary in well doing, we will reap in due season! Our due season is now! We must know that the victory has already been won for us. God already had been preparing Elisha to be trained by Elijah, and in the due season, he brought them together. Elijah wanted to check out of life. However, some of his greatest victories were still ahead of him.
When you feel the pressure to give up, press into the word of God. Encourage yourself in His word and continue to build your faith by hearing and reading the word of God. Continue praying in the spirit to build up yourself in your most holy faith and edify your spirit.
In addition, just as it was important for Elijah to be connected with Elisha as he completed the rest of his assignment for God, it is important to stay connected with other believers. Never allow the enemy to try to pull you away from God’s flock. Do as the scripture commands and do not forsake the assembling together. (see Hebrews 10:25). There is truly strength in numbers. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 tells us: “Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fail, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat but how can one be warm alone? And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”
When we are planted in a local church, we are able to weather the storms successfully. Lions always attempt to scatter the herd to get one of the animals alone, so they can easily overtake it. Likewise, the enemy tries to do the same to the believer. He will bring excuses as to why you can’t make it to church, or bible study. There will be endless distractions to try to prevent you from assembling with other like-minded believers. However, when you choose to stay in fellowship with your church body, it gives you more strength and encouragement. You have others to bring an encouraging word and help you to stay firm in your faith walk. It is so important to be planted in a local church where you can be a blessing to others, and they can be a blessing to you. (see Psalm 92).
Therefore, when the heat is turned up in your life and the challenges seem insurmountable, keep moving forward in faith! You will see the victory because Jesus already won the battle for you. Therefore, stay in faith and enforce your victory!
Further reading: Hebrews 11:1-34, 1 Kings 18 & 19, 1 Samuel 30, 1 Corinthians 15:57
