After recently having numerous conversations with people who feel like they are in impossible situations, I am impressed to share these thoughts with you.  I pray you are uplifted, encouraged, and energized as you consider this ‘Word of Encouragement.’

In 1 Kings 19:9, God asks Elijah the powerful question, “What are you doing here?”.  It wasn’t because God wanted to know; it was for the purpose of getting Elijah to recognize how his weakness had led him to where he was.

Where are you and what are you doing there?  If you are experiencing emotions of defeat, oppression, distraction, discouragement, failure, or insecurity; why?  What brought you to this point?  Elijah started his journey which led him to this place by saying to God, “I have had enough, LORD.  Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.”  Have you felt that you just had enough?  Have you felt that your situation is impossible?

What can you do to overcome this?  Remember & Respond

Remember some key words God has already shared with you.  Then, respond to those key words.

1 – Remember – God said that in your weakness, He will be shown strong!  He is your strength!

2 – Remember – God spoke to Abraham during what seemed to be an impossible situation – “Is anything too hard for the Lord?”  This is more of a rhetorical statement than a question.  God is really saying to you, “NOTHING is too hard for your Lord!”

3 – Remember – God has promised that, as you commit all your plans into His hands, the plans will succeed! (Study Proverbs 16:3 and recognize that, as you walk closely in relationship with God, then your plans are actually His plans planted in your heart.)

4 – Remember – You do not need to stay there!  –  God moved Elijah out of the cave, (out of the place of despair), and into His presence.  1 Kings 19:11, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by.”

Respond!  “Go out and stand in His presence!”

— Pastor Gary R. Linn

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