Death Wish

“And he requested for himself that he might die.” 1 Kings 19:4

Strange, is it not, that the man who would never die requested his death from God? What a difference one event can make in the lives of the faithful followers of God. Elijah had just turned the hearts of God’s people from the evil that the government of Ahab and Jezebel had established in Israel by the demonstration of the power of God.

Elijah changed the evil in Israel with these words:

“...call ye on the name of your gods, and I will call on the name of the LORD: and the God that answereth by fire, let him be God. And all the people answered and said, It is well spoken.” (1 Kings 18:24) 

The false prophets of Baal invoked their god to no avail and went as far as self-mutilation in their attempt to have their god take action.

When Elijah simply said:

 “Hear me, O LORD, hear me, that this people may know that thou art the LORD God, and that thou hast turned their heart back again.” (1 Kings 18:37)

 The Lord came down and answered with fire and proved that indeed He was the only one and true God.

Now just a short time has passed and Elijah is ready to die. This powerful lion of God is now whimpering like a wounded kitten. Ready to die, Elijah cries out to God, “O LORD, take away my life.”

This is a warning to every soul that dwells in the creation of God. Everyone will face battles that will leave you without strength, power or the will to continue on your own desire or strength. It has been said that suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. 

Last year almost 45,000 people chose a permanent solution to their problems. They have forgone a future where God could restore hope and purpose in their lives. Had Elijah chosen the “permanent solution” he would have missed the ride in God’s “chariot of fire.”

The scriptures record this event with these words:

“And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.” (2 Kings 2:11)

Are you tired of life and just want to die? Do you know someone who is struggling with the “permanent solution?” Be encouraged and be an encourager that God indeed has a purpose and plan for your life. At the end of Elijah’s life, God was waiting with a chariot of fire.

God may not have the same reception for you as He did for Elijah but He indeed will receive you to Himself. Jesus has made this promise to you:

“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” (John 14:1-3)

If you are living in a time of deep sorrow, trouble or depression; there is hope. Your hope will come like the breaking of day. A new and deeper walk with God will be developed if you will place your life in His hands and let Him lift you up from the fears and troubles you face today.