March 7: Times of Despair

Scripture Lesson: 1Kings 19:1-5, 14-18

On this date in 1979, the Veterans’ Committee named Hack Wilson to the Hall of Fame. In his often troubled 12-year career, Wilson had a lifetime batting average of .307. In 1930, playing for the Cubs, he had one of the greatest single seasons in baseball history, hitting 56 homeruns while posting 190 RBIs, a .356 batting average, and a .723 slugging average. Wilson’s career and his life were cut short by his abuse of alcohol. What might his story have been like if he could have handled the ups and downs of the game of baseball and the game of life without resorting to drink?

Today’s Scripture lesson is about a time when the prophet Elijah was ready to give up. He had just defeated the prophets of Baal on Mt. Carmel, making Queen Jezebel very angry. Jezebel, a worshiper of Baal who had come to Israel from Tyre, was so angry that she threatened to kill Elijah. The prophet was frightened and tired of running, so he went into the wilderness and pleaded with God to just let him die. God had other plans, however, and led Elijah to Mount Sinai. Instead of allowing Elijah to die, God renewed the prophet’s strength and his call, gave Elijah his marching orders, and sent him on his way. Elijah turned to God in his despair. There is no better One to turn!

1. Describe a time you felt like giving up.

2. How did you feel?

3. Why can we always turn to God?

God loves us and is always there for us in the good times and the bad times. Turn to God, who is waiting to act on your behalf today!