Taking Time to Celebrate

This past Sunday we looked at an incredible reversal of fortune when Elijah, who had just called down fire from heaven, ran for his life after hearing Jezebel's dark promise. In 1 Kings 18, God gave Elijah a life changing victory, and the enemy blindsided him with a threat on his very life. Have you ever experienced a glorious victory, only to be bombarded with bitter disappointment? Have you ever won a battle, only to have your character questioned and integrity maligned? It is the nature of the enemy to try and steal what God has given. He doesn't want you living in victory. He doesn't want you giving God glory with your life. So there are two things we need to understand. First, when a victory comes, celebrate it. God wants us to acknowledge and celebrate the victories that He gives to us. And don't wait too long or one day you might question if it was ever a victory at all. Second, stay on guard. It is possible to celebrate and keep a watchful eye. When Nehemiah rebuilt the wall, his workers carried their weapons while finishing the construction. When you get a chance, read Nehemiah chapter 4 and look at the mindset of the people. No matter how much progress they made, there was still a determination to stay focused on the task at hand. What if Elijah had not run away? Would Jezebel have killed him? We will never know for sure, but my guess is that God would have rescued Elijah because He still had work for Elijah to do (1 Kings 19:15-18). What is God doing in your life right now? Are there any victories that you are taking for granted? Take time to celebrate those victories before the wicked one convinces you that they never existed.

CAP