Lone Ranger syndrome

There comes times in the Christian life where it seems like you are climbing a steep mountain with a load of bricks on your back. Not only does your burden seem intolerably heavy, but it seems like you are all alone in your endeavor. No one seems to be there to help you in your climb. You are so sure that God wants you climbing “the mountain”, yet it seems so difficult. Sigh..what is the deal you may ask yourself, or even ask God. Well, one of my favorite Old Testament Bible stories from I Kings 19, will provide encouraging insight.

The story revolves around Elijah and begins with a wonderful story of the competition between Elijah and the prophets of Baal. You probably are familiar with the story. Basically, Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal to a sort of competition to prove to the children of Israel who “the real” Lord God was. The competition ended in God providing a dramatic, glorious display of His presence and the people fell on their faces and worshipped God. Next Elijah commanded the execution of the 450 false prophets. All of this was done by Elijah in obedience to what God had directed him to do. Now when all these wonders were accomplished, Queen Jezebel was extremely disturbed that Elijah had killed her Baal prophets, so she put out an order for Elijah’s destruction. Elijah flees out into the wilderness and prays to God that he might die and end his plight. Elijah has “the Lone Ranger syndrome” at this point. He’s feeling pretty “low”. Now, it is time for God’s loving nature to go to work; and it provides beautiful imagery of God’s mysterious (to us), but glorious ways.

First, an angel wakes Elijah up and brings comfort via food and drink. Then Elijah travels to Mt. Horeb, where God speaks comfort to him, and as the Scripture says:
God asked Elijah, “What are you doing here Elijah?” (as if to say, what’s the matter Elijah?). Elijah replies, “ I have been very zealous for the Lord God of hosts.. I alone am left and they seek to take my life”.

Then came a display of God’s glory in wind, earthquake, and fire. But the Lord was not in any of those, but then came a “still, small voice”. God was telling Elijah basically, I am able to do magnificent awe-inspiring wonders, however my ways are also most profound in the quiet, still methods that exceed your comprehension of their far-reaching effects. Then, he cures Elijah’s Lone Ranger Syndrome. God tells Elijah to go anoint a new Syrian King, go anoint a new King over Israel, and go anoint Elisha as your replacement. Finally, God informs Elijah, you are NOT the lone ranger, there are 7000 of the children of Israel who have not bowed to Baal!

Beloved, I am writing this devotion to you out of my own experience in recent days. The mountain that God has placed in my path is the road to serving Him in full time ministry. There has been times I have looked up at this mountain and prayed, “I am on fire for you Lord, but this mountain is so very tall”. In my heart I have heard Him say, “I know it seems that way, George, but you should know that you are not alone. Not only is your Christian family and friends there to help you, but so am I, and I am only a breath away. Listen for me in that still small voice”. I fall to my knees and tell Him thank you Lord, and my lone ranger syndrome dissolves into a distant memory. The mountain climb then resumes, but no longer does the climber feel alone.

Blessings always,
George