Running from Jezebel by Elaine Tavolacci

RUNNING FROM JEZEBEL by Elaine Tavolacci

There is a story in the book of 1 Kings Chapter 19 about the prophet Elijah as he was running in fear from Jezebel. Jezebel threatened to kill Elijah because she heard that he had killed the prophets of Baal with a sword. Jezebel represents a demonic principality over the nations, the spirit of control and manipulation, and also one that is trying to abolish the voice of God and kill the prophets. Jezebel sent a message to Elijah threatening him that she was going to kill him the next day just as he had killed the prophets of Baal. She was so sure of herself that she said: "May the gods deal with me, be it ever so severely, if by this time tomorrow I do not make your life like that of one of them." When Elijah heard this he ran away in fear. Elijah was under such extreme pressure that he asked the Lord to take his life, and then fell asleep under a juniper tree.

The Holy Spirit is showing me that many of you are experiencing such vicious attacks from the enemy that you are actually asking Jesus to take your life. You are telling the Lord that the battles are too intense for you to handle and it would be so much easier to go and be with the Lord. There is a time when the warfare will increase just before your greatest victory and breakthrough, but as you remain immovable, steadfast and stand your ground, the Lord will show Himself strong on your behalf. The Lord says not to allow adverse situations to overwhelm you, but use these things as an opportunity to trust Him and strengthen yourself in His word.

Then the scripture goes on to say that an angel appeared to Elijah and told him to get up and eat. The angel left him hot bread and water, and then returned a second time and told him to eat again because the journey was too great for him. The bread represents the living word, fresh revelation, and Jesus who is the bread of life. The water represents the Holy Spirit. The food and water sustained him for forty days and forty nights. Then he tried to hide in a cave and the word of the Lord came to him.

The Lord is saying, that as you come out of hiding in fear and return to the promises and prophetic words that He once gave you, He will provide for you and sustain you in difficult times. He is your protection from those who rise up against you, and your advocate against every word curse that has been spoken over your life. No weapon that is formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue that rises up against you in judgement you shall condemn. This is your heritage and your vindication from the Lord.

Elijah complained that he was so zealous for the Lord, but he felt as if he was the only prophet left. He also complained about Israel breaking Covenant, tearing down alters, killing prophets and how his life was in jeopardy. The Lord then sent a wind, a fire and an earthquake but He was in neither one. But then Elijah heard a still small voice. The voice was so powerful that when he heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood in the entrance of a cave. Some of you are trying to hear the Lords voice in a monumental way but He wants to speak to you in a profound way in a still small voice.

Then the Word of the Lord came to him and said, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" Elijah foolishly repeated his complaint once again. Many of you feel as if everyone else has left and you are the only one serving God. Some of you have prophetic voices which are being silenced in fear by the enemy. The Lord told Elijah that He has reserved seven thousand in Israel, all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and whose mouths have not kissed him. The Holy Spirit has many hidden today who He is raising up, who will walk with you and help to strengthen you.

The Lord then used Elijah to anoint other prophets as well as he anointed Elisha who received a double portion of Elijah's spirit after he was caught up by a whirlwind into heaven. 2 Kings Chapter 9:33-37 speaks about the violent death of Jezebel which was prophesied by Elijah. Many of you are frightened by the reports that you are seeing on the news. Don't be moved or shaken by what you hear. In the same way that Jezebel planned on executing Elijah, the Lord says, I will rescue you and deliver you, and My plans will be accomplished in your lives and ministries says the Lord.

1 Kings 19:1- 21

1 Kings 19:11-12 

Then He said, "Go out, and stand on the mountain before the Lord." And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice.