Elijah's Example

I have always loved the stories about Elijah. When I was a child, the story of Elijah and the time of no rain were portrayed in a beautiful picture book we had. My mom read this story to us over and over again. I loved hearing the story of how God provided for Elijah’s needs by bringing raven’s to feed him. I also loved hearing the story about how God showed Israel that He was the true God.

Recently, a friend mentioned what happened to Elijah after this amazing event. When Elijah heard that Jezebel was going to take his life, Elijah became afraid and ran for his life.

He was so discouraged that the Bible says, “He came to a broom tree, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. ‘I have had enough, Lord,’ he said. ‘Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.’ Then he lay down under the tree and fell asleep.” I Kings 19:4, 5. God is so good to us even when we are discouraged and afraid.

An angel touched Elijah and said, “Get up and eat.”

There near his head was a cake of bread and water. Elijah ate and drank and went back to sleep.

The angel came back a second time and touched him and said, “Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.”

Elijah ate and drank. The Bible says He was strengthened.

All week this story has run through my mind. After our trip, I was exhausted and although there were many things that needed to be accomplished at home, God told me to rest and not worry about them. I slept for most of the day and that night. At the end my busy work week this week, I was again exhausted and went home and slept. I woke up got a drink and went back to sleep.

This morning I was again reminded of this story. Sometimes we all are like Elijah worn out discouraged and anxious about life. There is so much to do and at times we feel so incapable of accomplishing the tasks in front of us. Anxiety and exhaustion may consume us. Sometimes all we need is rest and nourishing food.