Elijah had just pulled off an incredible win against the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel. He called down fire from heaven that consumed the offering, the altar, and even all the water they’d poured on it. Queen Jezebel was furious and threatened to kill him. Terrified, Elijah ran for his life as fast as he could 150 miles to Beersheba. Eventually he reached the mountain of God, where he poured out his heart to the Lord: “I’m all alone. Nobody’s helping me.” Sound familiar? Have you ever complained that nobody is helping you raise money?
The Ups and Downs
Elijah was not a superhuman somehow protected from fear or discouragement. James reminds us that he was just a human being like us. If you’ve been fundraising for any length of time, you know the emotional swings. A successful event leaves you pumped, but by Monday you crash hard. When a donor says yes, you’re on cloud nine for weeks. But when they say no, you start wondering if God really called you to this work. Ask God for the strength to navigate this emotional roller coaster.
Take a Nap
Elijah’s ultra marathon was so exhausting physically, emotionally, and spiritually that he collapsed in deep sleep. An angel woke him with the smell of freshly baked bread. He ate it, slept some more, and awoke the second time with the energy to keep going. This is a great lesson for fundraising workaholics who push themselves from morning to night, and even through weekends. Get some rest. Take a day off. Jesus told his disciples, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” (Mark 6:31). Take time to come apart before you fall apart.
Gain Perspective
Helen Keller said, “Self-pity is our worst enemy and if we yield to it, we can never do anything wise in this world.” Elijah complained that he felt all alone. But God reassured him there were still 7,000 people who hadn’t bowed to Baal. You might think you’re the only one who cares about your ministry, but you’re wrong. There are hundreds, maybe thousands of people who care about the people you serve. You just need to find them.
Find a Partner
God gave Elijah a practical solution: his new partner, Elisha. You need a fundraising friend. “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” (Ecclesiastes 4:9). Ask God for a colleague who can work alongside you. Maybe you need to hire staff, find a volunteer, or recruit a board member who’ll help you connect with donors.
Think About This: If even a prophet got discouraged, none of us are immune. Elijah was also powerful in prayer—and you can be too. When you’re down, spend some intense time in prayer. “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up” (James 4:10).
Response: Lord, forgive me for thinking I’m in this alone. Please bring me a fundraising partner who can help carry this load with me.
