“It is enough! Now, Lord, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers!” (I Kings 19:4)

Those are the words of the prophet Elijah when he hears that Jezebel has put out a contract on his life. Yes, this is the great prophet Elijah who has just come off the mountain-top, both literally and figuratively.

The showdown on Mt. Carmel has clearly established that the God of Israel is the true God, not Baal. Elijah has clearly proved that he is a true prophet of this God. He has also slaughtered all 450 prophets of Baal. Now you know why Jezebel vowed that she would seal Elijah’s fate with the sword as well.

Elijah is now on the run. Actually he is hiding in a cave, depressed. He has moved from the mountaintop of victory to the cave of self-pity.

He’s had enough. He has chosen to resign from the office of the prophet. Of course, the boss has to accept the resignation. He is even suggesting that God confirm his resignation by re-locating him to headquarters—dead, not alive.

Ever face moments like this? Perhaps some of you, our readers, are in this predicament right now. You just want to quit it all—a ministry position, your parental role, your business, your job, your life as a Christian, your very life, your _____________ (please fill in the blanks). Perhaps you have already written your letter of resignation. Or you may know someone close to you who is in the same place as Elijah.

How does God respond to Elijah’s decision to resign?

First He meets him where he’s at—right there in the cave. He calls him out and gives him an unforgettable encounter.

Then God asks him: “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

Elijah gives him the standard reply: “I have been very zealous for the Lord God of hosts; because the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left; and they seek to take my life.”

Watch how God completely ignores Elijah’s intent to resign. Here is His response:

“Go, return on your way to the Wilderness of Damascus; and when you arrive, anoint Hazael as king over Syria. Also you shall anoint Jehu the son of Nimshi as king over Israel. And Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel Meholah you shall anoint as prophet in your place.”

In other words, God says to him: “You may think you’re finished with me. Not so fast, old man! If you thought the heavenly council would pass a motion to receive your resignation with regret, you can forget about it.”

“Instead, I want you to know that I’ve got more work for you to do—kings to crown, and a prophet to mantle. I’m giving you an opportunity to re-sign as my prophet and complete the assignment I gave you when I anointed you to be my mouthpiece. Do you accept or not?”

God counters Elijah’s intent to resign with an offer to re-sign.

The rest of chapter 19 recounts how Elijah did indeed accept God’s offer as we see him throw his mantle on Elisha, the son of Shaphat.

Dear DWOD friend, if you’re not there right now, you too could very well face times when you are tempted to resign on the road to your destiny. Listen carefully to God who comes to you, even when you’re all wrapped up in self-pity. You will hear God making a similar offer to you as well. Will you accept and re-sign? The choice is yours.