Monday, March 28, 2011

Above Stress and depression


1kings19 speaks of Elijah's depression because of stress caused by Ahab, the king of Israel, and his wife
Jezebel deserted God Jehovah and worshiped foreign gods Baal and Asherah in Israel. Elijah became
furious about what affected his faith  and prayed to God. God heard him and didn't give rain to
Israel for three and a half years. After that, Elijah confronted the 400 prophets of Baal and the 450
prophets of Asherah on Mt. Carmel. When Elijah prayed again, God Jehovah answered him by sending fire instantly. As a result, all of Israel recognized God Jehovah as the true God and Elijah killed the 450 prophets of Baal at Gishon. After that Elijah earnestly prayed again for rain and God gave rain to Israel.

While doing such a wonderful work, suddenly Elijah was under heavy stress attack. He came back into
the city and was threatened by Jezebel. She sent a messenger to Elijah to say, "May the gods deal with
me, be it ever so severely, if by this time tomorrow I do not make your life like that of one of them." , I wish Elijah could have prayed again instead of taking it in to stress him !!!!!!!

Today in our times the devil is attacking us with all manner of weapons, while we serve God in church, or support the work of God, we expect rewards from God, however while we are still waiting on Gods
rewards the devil comes with stress reports which causes depression. We find we are pressured by too much work and earn little,we face health problems, document problems, racism in society or  no job, difficulties at home, school, work ,family etc.  We are not alone brethrens, the bible says 1Cor 10:11-13 
Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape,that ye may be able to bear it.

 Elijah was a great prophet of God, when he heard jezebel report, he could not overcome stress any more and collapsed. He came to a broom tree, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. "I have had enough, Lord," he said. "Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.
What is it you have heard or you are passing through? We are exposed to and surrounded by various
stress. Nonetheless, we must overcome stress.

 First don’t carry it alone, your battle is Gods battle and God has anointed his servant in the church  to
help you in your battle therefore swallow your pride and share out what is causing stress and depression
to you , don’t be Elijah who took it upon himself alone without seeking help . Psa 20:2  Send thee help
from the sanctuary, and strengthen thee out of Zion;Remember all thy offerings, and accept thy burnt
sacrifice; Selah.

Second is prayer,Peter problems became when he neglected prayers for ambitions service,
infact jesus told him peter satan has desired you just like he desired judas , but you I have prayed for
you.While jesus is still talking prior to temptation peter argued with jesus you all the story. After
denying Jesus three times, he could not stand himself. He cried and became hysterical, restless and
almost desolate. He gave up his mission as a disciple and went fishing. Prayer draws the hand of God
into a situation. It is the link that connects man to the throne room of God. If you want to
know the ways of God in any situation, you must pray and ask Him for direction. Daniel was
never stressed to depression,why, he prayed and fasted. When we try to carry our burdens by
ourselves, we can't overcome stress.

Jer 33:3  Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which
thou knowest not.

Psa 50:14  Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High:
  And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.

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