EquipHer Vol. 17: "Take Action!"Àpẹrẹ

Day 5 – The Courage to Start Again

Even the strongest can fall, but true strength lies in getting back up and continuing the journey.

Elijah wasn’t just any prophet—he was a man who had experienced incredible moments with God and accomplished amazing feats. He challenged and defeated the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:36-38), witnessed fire come down from heaven, and saw God’s power in remarkable ways throughout his ministry. Yet after all these milestones, a single threat was enough to send him into a deep state of despair (1 Kings 19:1-4). Sound familiar? Sometimes we, too, find ourselves exhausted, fearful, and feeling worthless right on the heels of our greatest victories.

Elijah fled into the wilderness, even wishing for death. He felt unworthy, like a failure, too drained to go on. That’s where God’s extraordinary compassion entered in. Instead of blaming Elijah for his discouragement, God sent an angel with a hot meal and a word of encouragement: “Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you” (1 Kings 19:7). Despite his fatigue and fear, Elijah rose, regained his strength, and kept going.

This story reminds us that we don’t have to be perfect or fearless to be loved and used by God. In our lowest moments—when we’re too worn out to respond—God invites us to stand up and begin again. But just as it was with Elijah, it’s our choice to respond to His encouragement: once Elijah received the food, he had to physically stand up and move forward. God is always ready to give us strength and help, but the decision to rise is ours.

If you find yourself feeling like this:

• Acknowledge you’re tired and discouraged. God isn’t offended by your weaknesses; in fact, He wants to show you His strength.
• Recall your past victories. Remind yourself of times when God moved powerfully in your life. Nothing you’ve been through is wasted—it’s part of your story.
• Receive God’s “food.” Don’t go through this desert alone. Let God refresh you and guide you back to your feet.

Don’t stop here: Keep putting faith into action and taking concrete steps. Remember, God is always ready to move with you, but He waits for you to do your part.

Prayer: Lord, sometimes I feel just like Elijah—tired and discouraged. Renew my certainty that I’m never alone and that You still have a plan for my life. My weaknesses don’t push You away; instead, they invite Your mercy. Fill me with new strength, nourish my spirit, and give me the courage to rise with confidence. Amen.