In the first part of this Siniazō Series, we explored how the enemy seeks to siniazō (sift, shake, and pressure) believers in an attempt to overthrow their faith. We saw this in Peter’s story, where Jesus’ intercession ensured that Peter’s faith would not ultimately fail, despite his momentary weakness. Now, we turn to another biblical figure who faced a similar but even deeper crisis, Elijah, the great prophet of fire, who found himself overwhelmed with despair to the point of suicidal thoughts.

This part of the series addresses the battle for faith in the face of overwhelming despair, depression, and thoughts of premature death, particularly among believers undergoing extreme trials and difficulties, financial, barrenness, health challenges, marital crisis and many other issues. Many struggling Christians today, whether in persecuted countries or in personal battles, can relate to Elijah’s deep moment of discouragement. Elijah: a mighty prophet yet overwhelmed by despair. It may surprise many that Elijah, the same prophet who called down fire from heaven, who single-handedly challenged the prophets of Baal, who stood boldly before King Ahab, found himself so crushed by pressure that he prayed for his own death.

Let’s look at what happened: “And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and withal how he had slain all the prophets with the sword. Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, so let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by tomorrow about this time. And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beer-sheba, which belongeth to Judah, and left his servant there. But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, it is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.” 1 Kings 19:1-4 (KJV).

Lessons from Elijah’s Crisis of Faith

Elijah’s story reveals several key truths about how the enemy applies pressure on believers, sometimes leading them to deep despair:

1. The enemy uses fear and intimidation to shake faith: Jezebel didn’t attack Elijah with an army, she simply sent a threat. Yet, that was enough to cause this mighty prophet to flee in terror. Until the revelation of siniazō was made know to me by the Holy Spirit, I always wondered what had gotten into this guy, when he was fleeing. I mean, why did he chicken out like that, when he could have called down fire to rain on Jezebel like he had done previously. Similarly, many believers today are not physically harmed, but constant opposition, fear of the unknown, or discouraging circumstances can make them want to give up.
2. Isolation increases vulnerability: Elijah left his servant behind and wandered alone in the wilderness. Many struggling believers today isolate themselves in their pain, making them more susceptible to spiritual attacks. According to Proverbs 27:17-19, “iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.” Who knows, if he were in the company of believers of like mind or even his servant, they may have reminded him of the several battles God had wrought through him in the past and how this incident was no different from those. As beautifully captured in Ecclesiastes 4:8-13, “Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone. Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
3. Extreme exhaustion leads to spiritual discouragement: Elijah had fought a long battle and was physically, emotionally, and spiritually drained. Many believers battling persecution, trials, financial struggles, sickness, or emotional pain become too exhausted to continue, leading to deep discouragement. Once you get to this point of physical exhaustion, rather than to keep on fighting to the point of running flat, it is important to instead step into God’s rest as promised to those who believe in Hebrews 4: 1-8 and to cease from your works.
4. The enemy aims to make believers feel like failures: Elijah said, “I am not better than my fathers.” He felt like all his sacrifices had been in vain. Many believers under intense pressure begin to doubt whether their faith, ministry, or personal struggles have any meaning, and I can assure you that it does. God is concerned with every intricate part of your life that even “the very hairs of your head are all numbered.” Luke 12:7. In Luke 21:18-19, he assures you that “not a hair of your head will perish. Stand firm, and you will win life.”

God’s Response: Angelic Empowerment and Supernatural Strength

Although Elijah was at his lowest point, God did not rebuke him for feeling weak because he does not like to break an already bruised reed. Instead, He provided supernatural intervention. “And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat. And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head. And he did eat and drink, and laid him down again. And the angel of the LORD came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee. And he arose, and did eat and drink, and went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God.” 1 Kings 19:5-8.

What Can We Learn from God’s Intervention?

Although our faith will always be challenged, even more reassuring is that God’s provision of strength to Elijah through angelic intervention is a powerful reminder that He sustains His people supernaturally in times of great need. Just as He strengthened Elijah, He also strengthened Jesus in His moments of weakness. In Luke 22:43, an angel appeared to Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane to strengthen Him before His crucifixion. This divine empowerment is not limited to biblical times; God continues to strengthen believers today in the following ways:

1. Angelic Assistance - Hebrews 1:14 reminds us that angels are "ministering spirits sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation." Believers today can experience angelic intervention, whether through protection, guidance, or divine encouragement during difficult times.
2. The Power of the Holy Spirit - Acts 1:8 declares, "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you." The Holy Spirit empowers believers with supernatural strength to endure trials, resist temptation, and carry out God’s will with boldness and authority.
3. God’s Word as Spiritual Nourishment - Just as Elijah received physical sustenance from the angel, believers receive spiritual nourishment through God’s Word. Matthew 4:4 states, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." The scriptures provide encouragement, wisdom, and renewal in times of weakness.
4. Strength Through Prayer - Jesus demonstrated the importance of prayer when seeking strength. In Philippians 4:6-7, believers are encouraged to present their requests to God in prayer, receiving His peace and renewed strength. James 5:16 also affirms that "the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."
5. Supernatural Peace and Endurance - Isaiah 40:31 promises, "But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." God supernaturally strengthens believers with endurance and peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7).
6. The Body of Christ: Encouragement from Fellow Believers - God often uses fellow believers to strengthen and encourage one another. Galatians 6:2 instructs, "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." Through fellowship, prayer, and support, Christians experience God’s sustaining power. 

Final Charge: The Place of Supernatural Empowerment

Just as God provided supernatural strength to Elijah and Jesus, He continues to empower His people today through angelic intervention, the Holy Spirit, His Word, prayer, divine peace, and the fellowship of believers. No matter the challenges faced, God’s strength remains available to those who trust in Him. Your faith shall not fail in Jesus name, amen! 

Author: Loveth Okocha