It seems it can happen to anybody. But, when even the most faithful and effective individuals lose their way, the results can be shocking. Certain people are anchors in our lives: maybe a parent or 
grandparent, pastor, teacher, or youth leader. In times of trouble, we look to them to help give direction and advice, and we draw upon their strength and resolve. They bring encouragement, and stability, and although over time, distance, or even death may separate, their legacy leaves a lasting impression in our hearts. But what happens when these pillars in our lives show structural cracks?
Many have been hurt or disillusioned because of the failures of mentors. For some, the devastation is truly tragic as the culprit is exposed as a criminal. But more often, high expectations come crashing down as one’s ideal and the real collide. Kids grow up never really seeing their parents as mere people, with many mistakes still yet to be made. Then something unexpected happens that fractures the fantasy and the inner conflict proves difficult to resolve. Ironically, the day that one discovers that his pastor, teacher, and youth leader are merely flesh and blood can be difficult to deal with. And the Bible is full of truth to help us with our dilemmas.
Elijah is famous for his faith. Like few others, he walked the talk, and changed lives as a result. When an evil king Ahab reigned in Israel with his wicked wife Jezebel (a name that remains synonymous with treachery), Elijah was sent by God to tell him that a socio-political and economic crisis was about ready to start. No more rain meant crop failures, asset devaluation, and civil unrest. For three and a half years, precipitation was nothing but a memory. Meanwhile, God sustained Elijah and did miracles in people’s lives that, although not national in scope, changed the world for the individuals involved.
After the clock ran out, it was time to call back the clouds; but not until “the great throw down” proved the power-filled difference between serving the real God of creation and a false religious program. When the smoke cleared (a natural result of fire sent from heaven), over four hundred spiritual deceivers were dead, the populace acknowledged their blindness, and the dried out dustbowls that were once fruitful fields were getting a much needed drink of water. Everything was great . . . until it wasn’t.
Jezebel did not fall to her knees and change her ways. Instead, her degenerate displeasure compelled a vow to kill Elijah within 24 hours. Next, something very strange happened. Elijah ran, hid, and wished to die. His moment of triumph fizzled and faded until he had shrunk into a shadow of his former self. The Elijah that was sequestered at his secret hideaway is barely recognizable as the man who, only a week before, had presided victorious over the greatest showdown in human history. What happened?
There seems to be four things that caused Elijah to lose his way – and the same things can happen to us as well if we are not careful. 1) Elijah lost his mission – He didn’t know what to do next. He had completed his tasks and mistakenly thought he was done. He needed further orders from his master. 2) Elijah was disappointed – He apparently thought it was supposed to end differently. Maybe everyone was supposed to change their hearts but they didn’t. We often set up scenarios in our minds only to be surprised that our imaginations were mere delusions. 3) Elijah believed a lie – He thought that he was alone, the last servant of the Almighty God. In fact, there were over 7,000 others. Wrong facts produce inaccurate conclusions. Sometimes, it really matters to get the facts straight. 4) Elijah was physically empty – When we are exhausted: tired, and hungry, it can affect us spiritually. Our attitudes and perspectives are often better after rest and food. Unless it is a true spiritual fast, depriving our bodies often leads to negative consequences.
I call what happened “Elijah’s Funk”. He was an amazing person that, for a short period, lost his way. It could happen to any of us if we aren’t careful. There are a number of people that I care about that have gone through their own funk. What do we do? Well, God did not give up on Elijah. There was much more to get done. And chances are, God isn’t giving up on you either. Don’t hold onto false beliefs. Put your eyes on Jesus Christ and not on your circumstances. Wait for instructions from your master, and get back in the game.