“Elijah was a man of like passions with us, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain; and it rained not on the earth for three years and six months” (James 5:17, ASV).

Elijah was one of the greatest prophets of God. He prayed to God, and it did not rain for three and a half years. During this time of drought, God sustained him at the brook Cherith by sending food. When the brook dried up, God told him to go to the house of a widow who would help him. Because she took care of Elijah, God supplied her with meal and oil.

By God’s power, Elijah brought the widow’s son back to life, killed four hundred and fifty of Baal’s prophets, and was taken up to heaven in a chariot of fire. We can see how much God loved him and helped him. Yet with all God’s presence and aid, Elijah became discouraged and wished to die.

Elijah was a man and had spiritual highs and lows just like we do. Yet when he was at his lowest, God sent him food and drink, and he went in the strength of that food forty days. Did God love Elijah more than He loves us?

No. God promised to be with us always. We read, “So that with good courage we say, The Lord is my helper; I will not fear: What shall man do unto me?” (Hebrews 13:6, 7). Man may not torture or kill us physically, but man can discourage us spiritually. Satan knows how to attack us.

So when life isn’t going well, know that God is with you. When your Christian ministry suffers, God is by your side. When you struggle with personal sin, and you feel Satan attacking you, know that Jesus is stronger than Satan, and He will sustain you.

Are you in God’s book of heroes? Yes. Every time you overcome with God’s help.

Hymn: “The Lord My Shepherd Is”

Prayer: Heavenly Father, so many times we become discouraged. Help us to lean on You for strength and comfort. In Jesus’s name. Amen.

Donna Wittlif, Denver, Colorado