Leadership Lessons from Elijah

For a guy whose story was told in a few short chapters at the end of I Kings and the beginning of II Kings, Elijah made quite an impact. God used him in vastly different settings. He confronted kings and ministered to widows.  He raised the dead.  Most memorable was a victory when he confronted false prophets with power and authority in view of a multitude.

His story includes great spiritual victories and yet we are allowed to see his moments of vulnerability and humanity. James wrote in his New Testament epistle, “Elijah was a man with a nature like ours…”  He faced times of fear and discouragement, and even questioned his calling.  But we only see a tender and compassionate God, dealing patiently with Elijah’s weakness.

Elijah had a great victory on Mount Carmel as God displayed His power with fire from heaven.  Elijah prayed, and a drought ended.  Yet Elijah ran for his life from the threats of Jezebel, ending up emotionally drained, depressed and despairing of his life under a broom tree (I Kings 19). It is hard to believe it is the same man.  Did God scold and rebuke Elijah in anger?  Did He order Elijah to return and face Jezebel?  Did He give up on him in disappointment? No, we see an example of God’s tender care of His servants who grow weary in the fierce battle, who somehow lose perspective and forget God’s faithfulness.  God is not done with Elijah.  “He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust” (Psalm 103:14). God refreshed His weary prophet, ministered to Elijah by allowing him rest, sent an angel with food–twice, and prepared him for what lay ahead.

As leaders, we can get burned out.  The battle seems too hard, the burdens crushing, the enemies are great, the work is draining and no one seems to be helping. With our eyes on ourselves, ministry seems overwhelming, burdensome and unfair.  But even in those times, we can know that our God truly knows us and loves us, weaknesses and all. He will patiently and tenderly see you through. Hang in there!