Note: NEW SERIES. This is part of a 3-week series. Check back next Monday for week 2!
Scripture:
“When Elijah saw how things were, he ran for dear life to Beersheba, far in the south of Judah. He left his young servant there and then went on into the desert another day’s journey. He came to a lone broom bush and collapsed in its shade, wanting in the worst way to be done with it all—to just die: ‘Enough of this, God! Take my life—I’m ready to join my ancestors in the grave!’ Exhausted, he fell asleep under the lone broom bush.” 1 Kings 19:3-5
Perspective:
When you order a steak at a restaurant, you ask for rare, medium, well-done, or another variation. But, never do you hear people order a steak that is overdone. An overdone steak is unappetizing. It looses its flavor, and your jaw might break trying to eat it. When a steak is burnt, the nutritional purpose of the steak is lost.
Have you ever been overdone, empty, or stretched too thin? Elijah was running for his life; he had become overwhelmed, exhausted, and overdone. His extreme response to his situation was a result of simply being tired. Elijah had done great things for God. His faith in God had been displayed when God consumed an offering with fire on a mountain. He had prayed for a boy to rise from the dead, and the boy rose from the dead. Elijah was not unaccustomed to God’s miraculous power working in and through him. Yet, even great men of faith can struggle when exhaustion sets in to their lives. Elijah could not go on any longer. Yet, even in that moment, God saw Elijah sleeping under a bush and already knew how he was going to help him. Elijah’s greatest encounter with God was only moments away. When you become exhausted by the circumstances in your life, remember that God sees you right where you are and is already working on a plan of deliverance. Go ahead and take that nap; let God work while you rest.
