"There he came to a cave, where he spent the night. But the LORD said to him, 'What are you doing here, Elijah?'" 1 Kings 19:9 NLT
None of us had ever experienced what we were about to.
Eight couples from our church traveled to a cabin in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee,
for a marriage retreat. My wife and I had stayed in several cabins over the
years-some we enjoyed while others were misrepresented by the rental agency. Not
this one.
Our little convoy turned off the main road and ascended a narrow road until we
reached Summit View Lodge-a four story cabin nestled on the side of a mountain.
Everyone wanted to visit the top level to see the view. For 180 degrees, we saw
nothing but mountain range folded upon mountain range. Our only obstructions
were trees, smog, and low-hanging clouds.
Elijah had a sight problem as well, but trees, pollution, and clouds had nothing
to do with it. He had defeated hundreds of pagan prophets on a mountaintop
contest, but the wicked queen wasn't pleased with his efforts. A 24-hour death
sentence sent him running. His first stop was a broom tree where he asked God to
take his life. Then he traveled to a cave where once again depression overcame
him. In the midst of his despair, God helped him see clearly.
Fear, anxiety, and depression kept Elijah from seeing what God wanted to do in
his life-just as clouds and smog kept us from seeing the totality of our
mountain view. Adopting Elijah's solution-running, is an easy escape point when
things aren't going our way or when I can't see which way they are going at all.
Taking advantage of the abundant life Jesus offers requires a clear view-even
when circumstances are against me. And this requires several steps which Elijah
eventually took.
First, I must believe God is with me and is concerned. Elijah's running was
unnecessary. God could handle a wicked queen. Second, I must ask God to help me
understand the situation fogging my sight. God gave understanding to Elijah in
the cave. Third, I must accept my circumstances by faith. I won't always
understand what God is doing or why. Finally, I must release despondency to God.
Discouragement and depression will only further cloud my vision. Releasing it by
faith clears things up.
Regardless of what clouds your view, God can help you see clearly.
Martin Wiles Hodges, South Carolina, USA
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