In the book of Kings (1 Kings 19: 1 – 18) we see Prophet Elijah run for his life after queen Jezebel gets to know how he slayed all the prophets of Baal. Prophet Elijah took shelter under a broom tree in the desert. Losing all his hope there he prayed for his death. Then the Lord provided him with bread and water through an angel and he walked in the strength of that food for 40 days of day and night on the way to Horeb. When we are afflicted by trials and tribulations in our life we give up and often wish for death and this attitude often blinds us to the path the Lord has prepared for us to get us out of our troubles. But the Lord reaches out to Elijah when he is hiding in a cave.

When we take up the cross and follow the Lord we will be able to attain the life that God has designed for us. It is on this road that we are able to hear the voice of God and discern his will. There he went into a cave and spent the night. “And the word of the LORD came to him: “What are you doing here, Elijah?” He replied, “I have been very zealous for the LORD God Almighty” (1 Kings 19: 9-10). Elijah was able to give this kind of a response because the desert experience led him closer and deeper to the love of God. We see the Lord opening up new ways to Elijah after this experience. Elijah was able to be zealous to God without losing his faith. Because he lived his life as per the will of God and continued to live in the presence of God.

When we are able to lead a life trusting the Lord in our desert experience and not lose the Spirit of God in our lives we will also be like Prophet Elijah zealous for the love of God and with the undying fire within us.

Renewal Retreat Center (RRC) is entering her Silver Jubilee Year. This center was established to provide a place of comfort and healing for those who are going through desert experience in their lives. The motto for our Jubilee year is, ‘Undying fire… Ignited in Spirit.’  May this jubilee year help those lives that has lost its brightness due to the sufferings of their life to be ignited in the light of the Holy Spirit and thus to be zealous for God.

Never flag in zeal, be aglow with the Spirit, serve the Lord. Romans 12:11

Fr Bineesh Mankunnel CST