Elijah was such a man of God that he ascended to heaven in a chariot without facing death.  When under the anointing of the Spirit could smite 450 prophets.  Yet as a frail man he runs from Jezebel fearing for his life.  There is great mystery and revelation in this contradiction.  Let me explain.

            When I am inspired I am fearless.  I can write the most challenging sermonettes, travel untold distances, look the devil right in the face.  Yet as George, plain old me, when I consider what I wrote under the anointing or what I did for someone, or where God would send me, I am doubtful and fearing.  In the Spirit bold as a lion, in the flesh timid and shy.  Yet there is a reason for this.  Without this mystery I would become puffed up and conceited.  I would think that George had something to do with the revelation, boldness of inspiration, and fearlessness.  So it was with Elijah.  The letter of James  chapter five says that Elijah was a man subject to like passions as we are.  Elijah is no different from any human being.  Yet what I think sets him apart is that he always responded to the inspiration and leading of the Spirit by not looking at frail Elijah but only at the awesomeness of God. 

            If you have been fortunate to taste the awesomeness of God, then it behooves you to act in faith under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.  Be bold, be brave, be steadfast and strong and if in the aftermath you are doubtful and fearful know that you are subject to the same passions as any man, even Elijah, and God is calling you to a deeper walk of faith than most experience.  When God made man, he said it was good even fear and doubt have a purpose in God's creation. 

amen