The concept of going back in time is intriguing and exciting. In this series we go back in time some 28 centuries. Yet, the moral and spiritual atmosphere of the day holds great lessons for us in the 21st century.
One of the top themes of the Christian life is to expect the unexpected. Periodically, God calls each of us to enroll in "wilderness school"...stretching times of spiritual development. He uses delays and detours to teach us to trust Him.
God loves us so much He won't allow us to remain spiritually static. Part of His plan for us is to utilize uncertainties in life to deepen our faith. The ability to endure trials is developed by enduring trials. Some fascinating events happen in this section.
How important is courage and conviction in the Christian life? Can God use different types of personalities in different roles? How does He want to use me?
One of the encouraging features of Scripture is that it portrays our spiritual heroes honestly. We are able to view both the thrills of their victories and the agonies of their defeats. Elijah is a great example. He presided at a great spiritual victory, but he also struggled with deep discouragement. How should we handle deep discouragement? God has counsel for you and me.
Sometime in life every one of us will become aware of injustice. Maybe we ourselves are mistreated or become a victim of a crime. Maybe we observe someone else being on the receiving end of violence, hostility, or grossly unfair actions. The Bible clearly teaches that payday is coming. We see this illustrated for us in 1 Kings 21. At the same time, there is hope for everyone, even those who are initiators of injustice.
Most of us have a reasonable awareness that we will not be in this world indefinitely--there will come a day that will be our last. If we knew this was our last week, what would we do differently? How can we choose to live strategically? What is strategic living? What can we learn from both Elijah and Elisha?
Life in the central plains of the US is a world of thunderstorms. When you live here you learn that severe storms can pop up quickly. The same principle is true of Tough Times. Unforeseen adversity might pop up tomorrow, or next month, without warning. When Tough Times hit us full force they can knock the breath out of us--leave us gasping for emotional oxygen. What are some the the resources God has provided for us?
If you've ever had your electrical power go out at night due to a storm, the first thing we look for is a flashlight to help orient us and give us direction. Scripture is like that. When a dark storm comes in our life, God's Word is a light that can orient us and give us direction in the midst of the storm. In Scripture we have several revealed answers to why? God allows Tough Times in our life.
Tough Times have a certain emotional impact to them, don't they? We can often feel like life is squeezing us...like situations around us are pressing in on us. Frequently we can feel like the circumstances are close to crushing us. Where can encouragement be found?