Are you tired and worn down? I can say I have felt that way in the last few weeks and I just wanted to lay down and escape reality for a while! I heard a teaching on this passage about Elijah the other day and I just have to share it with you…

At this particular stage in Elijah’s life he had over come some pretty crazy stuff, won battles, lead men in battle and it seemed all the “hard stuff” was done and over with. Then one crazy lady came at him making threats. This by far was nothing in comparison to what he had already over come, but he was tired!! Spent, bankrupt of energy so to speak. He didn’t want to battle anyone or anything. His first reaction was thoughts of a white flag to life. Some may even say he had suicidal thoughts. He asked God to take him out! God, being God knew exactly what Elijah needed and when he needed it. He sent an Angel that told him to eat and take a nap, then eat a good meal when he wakes up and that will give him all the strength he needed to face the next days ahead. So, if you’re struggling with negative thoughts, or thoughts of throwing in the towel because you just don’t know how to face the days ahead, cry out to God ask for help! Eat a healthy meal and get some rest! Take a break, give yourself permission to lay down for a moment, and trust you will get up stronger than you ever thought possible.

“But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he asked that he might die, saying, “It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers.” And he lay down and slept under a broom tree. And behold, an angel touched him and said to him, “Arise and eat.” And he looked, and behold, there was at his head a cake baked on hot stones and a jar of water. And he ate and drank and lay down again. And the angel of the Lord came again a second time and touched him and said, “Arise and eat, for the journey is too great for you.” And he arose and ate and drank, and went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights to Horeb, the mount of God.”

1 Kings 19:4-8 ESV