I usually think of Elijah as a heroic prophet. In a time of great evil and idol worship in Israel, Elijah shined God’s light. God worked particularly spectacular signs and miracles through Elijah. Ravens brought him bread and meat; the widow and her son were fed from almost nothing; a young man was raised from the dead (1 Kings 17). Elijah had the courage to come before an evil king who hated him. He defeated 450 false prophets with the miraculous help of the Lord (1 Kings 18). One passage after the next, we read Elijah’s powerful and faithful deeds, a true hero for God.

However, even having witnessed miraculous power, when his life was threatened for what God had done through him, Elijah fled, was discouraged, and felt alone. God met him in that moment. First, He gave Elijah food and water. Next, God passed by with wind, earthquake, and fire. But Elijah had seen God command the rains; he had seen God strike the altar with fire from heaven. Finally, God again showed Elijah His personal care. God’s response was comfort and reassurance, a small whisper of encouragement and direction. Part of God’s answer to Elijah in this moment was a helper, Elisha. When Elijah felt alone and forsaken, God showed him someone devoted to him and to God.

The champion of faith, Elijah, was not immune to discouragement and hopelessness. Even he needed someone to help him. This did not make Elijah unfaithful. Let us not stumble and mistake discouragement for a lack of faith; take heart. Look for God’s compassion and direction in the moment because sometimes “the journey is too great” (1 Kings 19:7, ESV). Let us also look out for one another because we may be the “Elisha” that someone needs in a moment of dismay.