1 Kings 19:3-4 Elijah was afraid and ran for his life….He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, LORD….Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.”
On the heels of such a powerful display of faith in 1 Kings 18, Elijah is now in crisis. Queen Jezebel has threatened to kill him within 24 hours. He feels like he is the only believer left. He’s exhausted. He’s afraid. He runs for his life and prays to die. I wish I couldn’t relate quite so powerfully to Elijah at this moment, but I’ve definitely been here. Exhausted. Stressed. Afraid. Feeling totally alone and like I have given everything but for no purpose, no gain.
1 Kings 19:5-6 Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep. All at once an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.” He looked around, and there by his head was some bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and lay down again.
How does God respond? First, He gives Elijah rest. Then, He sends His angel to give Elijah food. Then more rest and more food. And Elijah was strengthened and able to take the next steps. It reminds me of my initial response any time I get an email from a stressed student. I always say, “Take a deep breath. We’ll get this worked out.” Stress and exhaustion lead to overwhelm, which never leads anywhere good.
1 Kings 19:7 The angel of the LORD came back a second time and touched him and said, “Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.”
Lord, Thank You for this day and this scripture. In a semester that is so incredibly stressful, thank You for the vivid reminder that if I let myself get overwhelmed, nothing good happens. Help me to breathe, to rest, to nourish my body and soul, to draw closer to You in times of stress and overwhelm especially. I know You’ve got me, Lord. Help me not to be afraid. Amen.
1 Kings 19:8 So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God.
Have a blessed day.
My faith, my life, my teaching–it's all a work in progress.