From Depression To A Fresh Start Series

"And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: because the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away."

1 Kings 19:14 (KJV).

The words jealous and zealous are interchangeable — it’s the same Hebrew word Qanna. Qanna is a specific jealousy that is reserved for God alone. Elijah had been jealous for God.

Elijah was a mighty man of God. He was not only zealous, but jealous for God's work. His love, commitment and zeal brought persecution and a death threat. The man of God ran away as a result of the threatening words of Jezebel.

The name Elijah in the Bible is synomous with fire. He was a prophet of fire and raw power. But he has now lost his fire for ministry.

The words of Jezebel wounded the heart of Elijah. The great prophet became depressed and suicidal. He abandoned his people, ministry and calling. Elijah ran from the height of his ministerial success to the wilderness of loneliness and depression.

Depression is the number one cause of suicide today. It causes you to not see the next chapter of your story. Depression makes you to stop believing in God and yourself. Many struggles with depression when the thing that has given them purpose, meaning and hope is taken from them.

SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION:

The warning signs of depression might be, sudden mood swings, lack of concentration, isolation or withdrawal, changes in eating or sleeping patterns, giving away possessions, negative thinking, self-criticism, feelings of guilt or shame, extreme anger, growing paranoia, increased use of alcohol or drugs, self-destructive behaviour, problems at school or on the job, a feeling of helplessness, and a sudden change of behaviour.

Elijah gave up on ministry. He became a spiritual and kingdom dropout.

Are you depressed? Have you contemplated giving up on your calling, salvation and life?

1. Don't isolate yourself.

2. Spend time with caring people.

3. Ask for help.

4. Share about your hurt.

5. Meditate on God's promises: Ps. 143:7-8; Ps. 45:5; Is. 40:28-31; 2 Cor. 4:8-9; 2 Cor. 4:16-18.

6. Pray against the spirit of death.

7. Have faith in God.

8. Take care of yourself.

Don't lose hope! It's not over. Sorrow may have the night. The joy will come in the morning.

In the wilderness, Elijah heard a word from the Lord and he ran to Mount Horeb, the mountain of God, to meet with God. He ran from Jezebel to the mountain of God.

Beloved, no matter how powerful, gifted and anointed you are, you’re going to have some bad days.

Your faith will be tested. There'll be seasons when you'll question what you believe in.

WHAT IS SPIRITUAL DROPOUT?

1. A spiritual dropout is a person who has left the ministry God called him or her into.

2. It's to go back to Egypt.

3. A spiritual dropout is a backslider.

4. It's to go astray.

5. A spiritual dropout is someone who has abandoned the Christian race.

6. It's to relapse into sin.

7. A spiritual dropout is a minister of God who has gone back to the world.

8. It's to turn back from the faith.

9. It's the spirit of Demas-2 Tim. 4:10.

Sadly, every day, pastors and missionaries, who are in full-time service make the decision to leave the ministry. Some are contemplating it now.

Some dropout due to weariness, or the love and cares of this world. Some because of trials, and ministerial wounds. Some dropout of a church due to the call of God to start a new ministry.

Some dropout because of demonic attack.

At Mount Horeb, God told Elijah to return to Israel. The Lord sent him again, to the place of his assignment. There, he is to anoint two kings and a prophet.

Elijah's given a new command, a new commission and new assignments.

If you are a minister of God, and have fallen, you can still be restored. Repent today. Your Father is waiting to receive and restore you. He's not angry with you. God knows your pains. There's still much work to be done.

Your history is not your destiny. Stop remembering what God has forgotten! Let go of the past. Stop making excuses. Take an inventory of your life. Meditate on God's promises. Go deeper. Refocus your mind, energy and goals. Take action. Launch out. It’s not too late! You’re not too old. It’s not over. The story of your life is not over! If men see an end for you, there's a new beginning. No matter how many times you fall, stumble, rebel, or make wrong choices, God’s grace gives a fresh start.