Everything changes
Wednesday, September 9
Everything changes
But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he prayed that he might die, and said, “It is enough! Now, Lord, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers!” Then as he lay and slept under a broom tree, suddenly an angel touched him, and said to him, “Arise and eat.” 1 Kings 19:4-5
What an amazing change had taken place in Elijah within the space of a couple of days (or chapter) in the book of 1 Kings. In the previous chapter he had just led an army in defeating the 600 prophets of Baal. In this battle God had demonstrated His mighty power by burning up the water-saturated offering, immediately after Elijah had prayed (a fun family story, I strongly encourage you to read and act out one family night). The comparison with the powerless efforts of the frenzied priests of Baal was a stark reminder to Israel that they needed to turn back to the only true God. What an amazing 24 hours!
Yet, we find Elijah ‘burn-out’ after receiving a threatening letter from Queen Jezebel, Elijah runs for the hills and wishes he were dead. What on earth’s going on? Lack of faith? No, Elijah is physically, emotionally and spiritually exhausted. He is experiencing a tiredness like none other. We too can identify with this feeling. Here in the United States it’s been a good six months since we have been dealing with quarantine and social isolation due to COVID-19. We are not super human instead we can take a page from this story to guide carry us through this season.
This feeling of being worn out is clearly demonstrated in Elijah’s reactions. His focus is off God and is on the presenting situation. Things are blown up, out of proportion. He feels he can’t cope. It’s all just too much, and he just wants to get away physically, and perhaps even permanently (‘take my life Lord’). There are intense feelings of isolation and loneliness (1 Kings 19: 10, & 14). Can you identify?
God’s response is very interesting. He doesn’t reprimand Elijah for lack of faith, or give him a stern talking to, or even try to belittle him for feeling this way. He lets him sleep (as he’s exhausted), ensures he’s provided with food and water, and encourages him to eat (verse 5). In all this time there wasn’t a single word of rebuke from God. Finally, after this physical rest, God speaks to him gently but firmly. God draws Elijah back to Himself, and re-commissions him, and gently reveals His plan.
The message for those of you feeling like Elijah did is that God knows and He cares. During this time, God is never too far from you. In the fullness of time God will make everything beautiful (Ecclesiastes 3:11).
Prayer for today: Dear Lord, I want to admit to You that there are times I feel exhausted physically, emotionally and spiritually. Thank You that You still love me, and don’t look down on me. Amen.