Elijah – From Fire to Fatigue
Wednesday, March 11
Elijah – From Fire to Fatigue
I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life.” 1 Kings 19:4, NIV
In the First Book of Kings 18, Elijah called down fire from heaven. 1 Kings 19:5 it says, “He lay down under the bush and fell asleep.” Elijah is exhausted and falls asleep under a bush in the wilderness. But Elijah isn’t exhausted from doing chores, he was running for his life. He has just had a dramatic confrontation with the priests of Baal (1 Kings 18:16-46), and now he is fleeing for his life from King Ahab and Queen Jezebel. Totally shattered physically, emotionally, and spiritually Elijah asks God to take his life.
Yet God doesn’t answer his plea. Instead, through an angel, God provides Elijah with sustenance for the road ahead. Then, after some more restful, restorative sleep and more food and drink from the angel, Elijah sets out on the journey ahead of him.
Elijah’s flaw? Emotional exhaustion.
Elijah’s mess? Depression after victory.
After defeating the prophets of Baal, Queen Jezebel threatened him. Fear overtook faith. He collapsed under a tree and asked to die. But God didn’t rebuke him. He fed him. Let him rest. Then spoke in a still, small voice. Though our own story may not be as dramatic as Elijah’s, God will provide what we need so that we too can take up the journey ahead of us. In fact, God has already provided for us through his Son, Jesus, who invites us to come and rest in him (Matthew 11:28-30).
Through Elijah’s story we see purpose requires sustainability. Even prophets need restoration. God reminded Elijah he was not alone; there were 7,000 others who had not bowed to Baal.
Burnout does not mean you are finished. It means you need renewal.
Prayer for today: Lord, when I am tired, restore me. When I feel alone, remind me I am not. Help me to rest without quitting. Speak to me in the quiet. Renew my strength for the journey ahead. In Jesus’ name, Amen.