Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Like Elijah


I walk and think about this concept of being real in our writing. If I am real in my writing this morning, chances are it will come off sounding full of self pity - like a plea for sympathy. I like to be encouraged as well as the next girl, but that is not what I am after. I simply want to be obedient to what I believe the Lord would have us do.

Elijah, with his mountain-top experience and subsequent dive into depression, has been my traveling companion for days now. My experience doesn't parallel his in every detail, of course, but I think I am feeling a little bit of what he felt.

My days at Laity Lodge lifted my spirit high. I came away filled so full I could hardly take it in. The gift of an answer to a prayer long held in my heart ignited a little flame, and I was determined to come home and burn brightly.

I did - for a little while. Then the dailiness of life with all the same old troubles threatened to douse that tiny flicker. I find I am at a loss for words. The admonition to "just write anyway" seems an impossible one.

I think again of Elijah and the Lord's answer to his self-pitying cry in I Kings 19. After ministering to his physical needs and treating Elijah to an incredible display of power, He spoke in a gentle whisper.

The LORD said to him, “Go back the way you came..."

The prescription He handed Elijah was simply to get up and get going. In the process He provided strength, wisdom and a friend (Elisha) to share in the work He had called Elijah to do.

The Father, who is no respecter of persons, has given me all of those things and more. So...enough. Time to get writing.

Blessings,
Linda