Have you ever reached the end of yourself, the end of your capacity to handle whatever situation you find yourself in? That’s precisely where Elijah found himself in 1 Kings 19. If you know a little about Elijah, you will likely recall that he was an Old Testament prophet whom God chose to carry out some powerful miracles, most notably defeating the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18). It’s an amazing story of Elijah’s courage and obedience in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.
The very next chapter in 1 Kings opens with Queen Jezebel threatening Elijah’s life in response to the humiliation of Baal’s prophets. Despite the miraculous way God used Elijah to deliver a strong message to King Ahab and the people just the day prior, Elijah still feared for his life and fled to the wilderness. “How is that even possible?” is a question that comes to mind before I recognize that the same thing happens to me. Not the part of running to the wilderness, sitting under a tree, and asking God to end my life. But the part of being so discouraged after a powerful display of God’s glory sadly rings true.
Within Scripture there are other individuals who experience similar reactions. Think of Jonah or Paul among others who experienced hardships. In 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, Paul explains how God needed to reshape his attitude towards challenges in his life before he could move on from feelings of discouragement. “Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me. That is why, for the sake of Christ, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
In other words, Paul understood that our struggles should force us to concede that we actually can’t accomplish anything without God’s power at work in us. That’s how growth happens in our lives, when we submit to God and allow him to shape us, discipline us, and draw us closer to him.
Dear God, remind me of your desire to strengthen and deepen my relationship with you especially during the most difficult times. I know I can trust you.
Throughout this day: Read 1 Kings 19 and observe how God ministers to Elijah in his time of despair. He understood the prophet’s pain and brought comfort rather than judgment before revealing himself through a still, small voice. It’s an amazing story of empathy and care.
Photo Credit: Heiner