Finding the Mission Through the Despair; 1 kings 19

Ever feel like you're doing everything right for God, but then one setback sends you spiraling into despair? You're not alone.

This week we looked at Elijah – the prophet who just defeated 850 false prophets, called down fire from heaven, and watched an entire nation turn back to God. Epic victory, right? Then he gets one threatening letter from Queen Jezebel and runs for his life, hiding in a cave, begging God to let him die.

Maybe you've experienced a spiritual high only to crash when things didn't turn out the way you expected. Maybe you've wondered if you're making any difference at all.

Here's what God taught Elijah in that cave: When we take our eyes off the mission and focus on ourselves, despair creeps in. When we expect God to show up in the earthquake, wind, and fire – but He comes in a still, small voice instead – we miss Him because He didn't meet our expectations.

God's response to Elijah's despair? He gave him a new mission bigger than himself. He reminded him he wasn't alone – there were 7,000 others who hadn't bowed to false gods. And He gave him Elisha, someone to share the work with and pass it on to.

The mission must be bigger than you because it's for God's glory, not yours. You're not alone in this. And sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is be still and listen for that small voice.

What mission has God called you to that's bigger than yourself? Don't let despair or unmet expectations keep you from it.