It was definitely a time of contrasts in the prophet’s life! Elijah had just scored a great victory on Mount Carmel, but when word reached the palace about Elijah’s slaughter of the 450 prophets of Baal, an infuriated Queen Jezebel wanted Elijah’s head. And she wanted it within 24 hours!
When the prophet got wind that Jezebel wanted his head, fear gripped his heart, and Elijah ran for his life! Now a fugitive, he fled to the desert. Utterly exhausted and discouraged, Elijah found himself under a tree. Death. Release from the severe anxieties of life. That’s what he wanted!
And then Elijah fell asleep. He awoke to the touch of a divinely-sent messenger. The angel had prepared freshly-baked bread, still warm, and plenty of water. After eating, Elijah returned to his rest. After a period of time the angel came again and awoke the prophet, urging him to eat more food since the journey before him to Mount Horeb would require a lot of physical stamina. And then 1 Kings 19:8 (KJV) records an interesting statement: “And Elijah arose and did eat and drink, and WENT IN THE STRENGTH OF THAT FOOD FORTY DAYS AND FORTY NIGHTS.”
So it is with words of encouragement and acts of kindness. Mark Twain once said something to the effect that a compliment paid him, or word of encouragement offered on his behalf–could energize him for a whole month or two. The Proverb writer (25:11) speaks about “a word aptly spoken,” and compares its value to “apples of gold in settings of silver.” I remember receiving a note of encouragement from a man at church who wasn’t known for his kindness toward leadership. Critical and judgmental by nature, he had often “left me have it.” So when a note of encouragement came in the mail, I couldn’t believe it! That was years ago, and I’ve kept that note. Sometimes I pull it out of the file, and get encouraged all over again.
Let’s be reminded of the longevity of encouragement. A heartfelt compliment, a sincere act of kindness, a “word aptly spoken” has far-reaching effects and has the potential for energizing the receiver for many days to come.