Boldness Takes Ground

"The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion." Proverbs 28:1 Throughout scripture following God is consistently met with challenges- mostly unforeseen. Elijah was filled with God's fire, boldly proclaiming God's words and encouraging faith with the signs God sends to back up His words. He was also ALONE. In 1 kings 18:22 he described his situation as him being the only prophet left compared to Baal's 450. STILL God didn't fail him. The very next chapter he is sent a death threat- not from the Lord- from Jezebel, the enemy. What does he do? "Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. 'I have had enough, Lord,' he said. 'Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.' Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep. All at once an angel touched him and said, 'Get up and eat.'" Did God's message change? No. Did His favor change? No. Did the threat come to fruition? No. But he was alone and he was being chased by the enemy. He wanted to just SLEEP. Spiritually become immobile. But God instead sends angels who tell him "get up and eat". As if to say, nourish yourself...you're not done yet. Moses was obedient (albeit begrudgingly) and asked Pharoah for his people's release only to have their oppression increased. "Moses returned to the Lord and said, 'Why, Lord, why have you brought trouble on this people? Is this why you sent me? Ever since I went to Pharaoh to speak in your name, he has brought trouble on this people, and you have not rescued your people at all.” Exodus 22-23. Did God's message change? No. Did God's favor change? No. Did God's way end in glorious deliverance? Yes! Some of you reading this have hit that point of high calling. When God sends high calling there is often the surge of zeal followed by the backlash from the enemy. God may have given you a word, but He has not given you a play-by-play. When the unexpected comes, DON'T RUN. Hear this, if this is you- DO NOT SLEEP. God wants to refresh you because there is more. Ignore the threats of the enemy and focus only on what God says. Taking new land requires BOLDNESS. You may, like Elijah, feel you go alone. You may, like Moses, feel like things are getting worse and worse. But if you are getting your directions straight from God's words, then THEY are all that matter. Affix in your heart the old lyrics "Though none go with me, still I will follow". And take courage that none He has lead before were let down by Him.