2.16.2013

1 Kings 19-22

These chapters chronicle the events that occur during Ahab's rule over Israel. There are three main characters to look at; Elijah is the last prophet of God left under Ahab's rule, Ahab is the king of Israel, and Jezebel is Ahab's wife. Jezebel is one bad woman and is responsible for the slaughter of all the Lord's prophets save Elijah. Her affect on Ahab's rule has help continue Israel's downward spiral. 

As mentioned previously Elijah is on the scene and decides to stand up to the false worship that is running rampant in Israel by confronting the false prophets at mount Carmel. The Lord consumes Elijah's sacrifice in fire from heaven while all the false prophets flail and appeal to their false deities in vain. As a result, Elijah slaughter's the false prophets on the spot.

After this point, as spiritual battle rages between Jezebel and Elijah. On one hand Jezebel pushes sin and general corruption while Elijah pushes repentance. Even Elijah must deal with and overcome the fear and doubt caused by Jezebel's threats. Ultimately God condemns Ahab and Jezebel. Ahab realizes all the crap he and has wife has pulled at expense of the people of Israel and God, and he proceeds to humble himself and submit himself to the Lord. The Lord takes pity on him and says it is not Ahab who will suffer but his children.

What I took from this passage that everyone suffers from spiritual warfare, both the "good" like Elijah and the misdirected and corrupt like Ahab. More importantly, Christians can always put their faith and god and stand against negative influence and sin as represented in Jezebel. Or even if we fallen to our lowest point, we can humble ourselves and repent and God will be merciful in the case of Ahab.

Strength Bit: Consistency

This is a quick rant. I work really hard to achieve goals, especially workout related goals. Then freaks come along that just make me shake my head and wonder what it is i'm doing wrong with my life. Point and case, Rich Froning. Trains so many different movements and components of fitness and has an inhuman work capacity. The guy freakin snatches 300lbs in NANOS and at 190lbs. Sometimes I wonder why I try

But I digress. There's something to be said about consistency and not the kind of consistency where you show up to work on time everyday. I'm talking about those special individuals that constantly plug away at a goal with the kind of relentless patience that is defined by tenacious doggedness. This kind of character and drive often requiring assistance and push from outside influences.

If you want to accomplish something fitness related do not give up. Always try to get better and keep plugging away at your goal. Look at it from different angles, look for ways to improve, get better coaching; always attack and strive for progress.