August 25, 2010
Elijah hears that Jezebel vows to have him killed, and he runs for his life. Elijah had just prayed down fire from heaven and for the rains to begin, and now he is running away in fear. It's so easy to read these stories and think—wow—look what Elijah did. But think about it!! Think about the pressure and stress he felt. He believed in the LORD and what God said, but it was him—standing all alone—before the people. What if the fire didn't come down? What if the rain didn't start? It's not like God pulled Elijah aside and they had a practice run and Elijah could see that God could do it. He was God's servant, on the front line. If he misunderstood God's direction, he was going to look like a fool. The stress of the position he was in had to be enormous. Six times Elijah prayed with no result, and then God answered.
Elijah was exhausted. Fear took over, and he ran. He forgot whose servant he was (God's), and instead looked at what he (man) had done. "I" can't do this. "I" have had enough. God knew Elijah was exhausted. Elijah slept, and then God said—get up and eat. He ate, fell asleep again, and then God told him to get up and eat again. Sometimes it is the simple things, like food and rest, that God uses to replenish our spirits. When you are on the front lines fighting the battle, it can take a lot out of you physically, mentally and emotionally. God knew that Elijah needed food and rest.
God told Elijah that he would pass by him on the mountain. God wasn't in the winds. He wasn't in the earthquake. He wasn't in the fire. Instead God spoke to Elijah in a quiet and gentle way. God asked him, "Why are you here?" Elijah responded with "I's" again. And again, God asked him, "Why are you here?" Go back the way you came. I'm going to give you Elisha to help you.
When we focus on ourselves, whether it be our abilities or inabilities, we get into trouble. Elijah lost focus and began to look at who he was instead of whose he was. God spoke to him gently and quietly and Elijah got back into the game. Sometimes in the hubbub of life we need to listen for His still small voice and we need to take care of ourselves. Rest. Eat. Drink. Rest.
Lord, when I become weary, help me to focus on who You are and whose I am. Speak to me LORD, show me what you want me to do. Speak Lord, I am listening.
Addendum: 4/27/14 ~ Is this appropriate or what? We have been weary, so weary. The time it takes to deal with all the issues with my husband's elderly parents has been draining and exhausting. We aren't eating, sleeping, or taking care of ourselves properly, and this week I paid the price for it. I came down with a bout of the flu. I literally slept 20 hours in a 24 hour period. My body was exhausted. But now I am back. I want to listen to what God has to teach me. I am ready again to focus on WHO He is and WHOSE I am.
Next Entry: I Kings 19:1 – 20:43 (Continued)
Elijah hears that Jezebel vows to have him killed, and he runs for his life. Elijah had just prayed down fire from heaven and for the rains to begin, and now he is running away in fear. It's so easy to read these stories and think—wow—look what Elijah did. But think about it!! Think about the pressure and stress he felt. He believed in the LORD and what God said, but it was him—standing all alone—before the people. What if the fire didn't come down? What if the rain didn't start? It's not like God pulled Elijah aside and they had a practice run and Elijah could see that God could do it. He was God's servant, on the front line. If he misunderstood God's direction, he was going to look like a fool. The stress of the position he was in had to be enormous. Six times Elijah prayed with no result, and then God answered.
Elijah was exhausted. Fear took over, and he ran. He forgot whose servant he was (God's), and instead looked at what he (man) had done. "I" can't do this. "I" have had enough. God knew Elijah was exhausted. Elijah slept, and then God said—get up and eat. He ate, fell asleep again, and then God told him to get up and eat again. Sometimes it is the simple things, like food and rest, that God uses to replenish our spirits. When you are on the front lines fighting the battle, it can take a lot out of you physically, mentally and emotionally. God knew that Elijah needed food and rest.
God told Elijah that he would pass by him on the mountain. God wasn't in the winds. He wasn't in the earthquake. He wasn't in the fire. Instead God spoke to Elijah in a quiet and gentle way. God asked him, "Why are you here?" Elijah responded with "I's" again. And again, God asked him, "Why are you here?" Go back the way you came. I'm going to give you Elisha to help you.
When we focus on ourselves, whether it be our abilities or inabilities, we get into trouble. Elijah lost focus and began to look at who he was instead of whose he was. God spoke to him gently and quietly and Elijah got back into the game. Sometimes in the hubbub of life we need to listen for His still small voice and we need to take care of ourselves. Rest. Eat. Drink. Rest.
Lord, when I become weary, help me to focus on who You are and whose I am. Speak to me LORD, show me what you want me to do. Speak Lord, I am listening.
Addendum: 4/27/14 ~ Is this appropriate or what? We have been weary, so weary. The time it takes to deal with all the issues with my husband's elderly parents has been draining and exhausting. We aren't eating, sleeping, or taking care of ourselves properly, and this week I paid the price for it. I came down with a bout of the flu. I literally slept 20 hours in a 24 hour period. My body was exhausted. But now I am back. I want to listen to what God has to teach me. I am ready again to focus on WHO He is and WHOSE I am.
Next Entry: I Kings 19:1 – 20:43 (Continued)
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