1 Kings 19:3-4a Elijah was afraid and he ran for his life. …he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness.
This morning finds me back in 1 Kings, back with an overwhelmed, exhausted, frustrated Elijah. I understand the feeling of wandering in a wilderness, no trail, no map, no idea which way to go, feeling helpless, stuck, afraid, praying, “Please, Lord, make a way.” I understand giving 100%, day after day, year after year, and feeling like you are not making a difference. I understand mental and physical exhaustion.
1 Kings 19:4b He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die….
Was his prayer for death out of fear of Jezebel and her threats? Was it because he felt he’d been giving his best to the LORD and getting no where? Was it because he was just completely spent? Utterly exhausted? Was it because he took his eyes off his Creator and had himself a pity party over all he saw as wrong? What strikes me in this scene, more than Elijah’s exhaustion and frustration, is God’s response. He could have given a thunderous reply, “How dare you? Who do you think you are?” Instead, He sent rest, care, and nourishment.
1 Kings 19:4c … “I have had enough, LORD…. Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.”
Lord, Thank You for this day, for this scripture, for understanding our fear, frustration, and exhaustion, for making a way. Thank You for calling us to be Your hands and feet in this world, for allowing us to shine Your light. Thank You that we can be real and honest with You about where we are and the ways in which we are struggling. Thank You for hearing, understanding, and responding to our needs. Draw us closer to You. Amen.
1 Kings 19:5 Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep. All at once an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.”
Have a blessed day.
My faith, my life, my teaching–it's all a work in progress.