Editorial – Courage in the Hour of Darkness

Have you ever been so discouraged that you became depressed? If you were in heaven today, you could meet Elijah, a man who in this world was overwhelmingly discouraged and depressed. After the great victory gained on Mount Carmel, and when he had guided Ahab’s chariot to the gate at Jezreel, his courage was strong. But a reaction frequently follows high faith and wonderful success and Elijah felt a tremendous reaction—he feared that the reformation begun on Mount Carmel would not be lasting. While in this discouragement, he received news of the plotting of Satan through Jezebel and he not only forgot God and fled for his life but finally, resting under a juniper tree he said, “It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers” (1 Kings 19:4, last part).

Commenting on this Ellen White wrote, “Into the experience of all there come times of disappointment and discouragement, days when sorrow is the portion, and it is hard to believe that God is still the kind benefactor of His earth-born children—days when troubles harass the soul till death seems preferable to life. It is at such times that many lose their hold on God, and are brought into the slavery of doubt, the bondage of unbelief. …

“Hope and courage are essential to perfect service in the work of God. These are the fruit of faith. Despondency is sinful and unreasonable. God is able and willing more abundantly to bestow upon His servants the strength they need for test and trial. The plans of the enemies of His work may seem to be well laid and firmly established; but God can overthrow the strongest of these. …

“For the disheartened there is one remedy—faith, prayer work. Faith and activity will impart assurance and satisfaction that will increase day by day. In the darkest days, when appearances seem most forbidding, fear not. Have faith in God. He knows your every need. He has all power. His infinite love and compassion never weary. Fear not that He will not fulfil His promise. He is eternal truth. Never will He change the covenant He has made with those who love Him. And He will bestow upon His faithful servants the measure of efficiency that their need demands.” The Review and Herald, October 16, 1913.