Exhausted to Exalting

Have you ever been so overwhelmed that all you could think of was running away from the situation? Surely, we have all experienced this feeling to some point at some time in our lives. The prophet Elijah had reached the lowest point in his life in 1 Kings 19:1-18. He was on the run after receiving a death threat from Queen Jezebel. By backing up to 1 Kings 17 we know that Elijah proclaimed that God was going to cause a drought and famine over Israel due to the evil acts of King Ahab (Jezebel’s husband). This is where trouble begins. After a series of events, Elijah speaks to King Ahab and then calls down fire from heaven to consume an offering showing the people God’s power. Elijah then calls for the prophets of Baal. God send rain to Israel at this point. The death threat towards Elijah is a direct result of Jezebel’s being mad because she was a worshiper of Baal (1 Kings 18). Elijah was led by God throughout the land performing mighty things for God as he was fed by birds, drank from streams, and provided for by a poor widow. Elijah escaped to the wilderness traveling days before he collapsed under a tree.  Sister at this point I think I would have been looking for a piece of white material to wave in surrender. BUT GOD….!!! This is the thing. Elijah was a prophet, but he was also human. Just enough food and water to get by on to be followed by a threat on his life was about all he could stand.

What would be your prayer at this point if you were Elijah? Someone to bring relief, a new start in a new area, maybe even a prayer that those after him would die? There is honestly no telling what our response would be. What we do know is that Elijah sits under the shade tree provided by God and prays that God would take his life (1 Kings 19:4). Sister, there was no rope to hang on to, Elijah was at the end. He had accomplished so much for God but felt like a complete failure at this point in his life (you will be doing a disservice to yourself if you do not read these chapters). James 5:17-18 says Elijah controlled the weather with his prayers. He prayed, and it did not rain. For three and half years not a drop fell from the sky. Elijah prayed again, and it rained. Reading in the New Testament regarding the power of Elijah’s prayer life makes 1st Kings 19:4 and Elijah’s thoughts even more to understand. You’d think that God’s answer to all of Elijah’s previous prayers as well as God’s provisions for him would have strengthened Elijah’s faith but then again, he was human just like us and his emotions were controlling him at this point. BUT GOD!!!  As Elijah was praying for death, God sent an angel to feed Elijah, strengthening him for a 40-day journey to the mountain of God, known as Horeb (1st Kings 19:5-8). Friend, on our lowest day, God STILL has a plan! We may not see it; we may even doubt it but trust me when I tell you that OUR GOD IS FAITHFUL EVERY TIME!

At this point Elijah begged for death and complained to God that he was alone in his faith (1st Kings 19:4, 10, 14). Elijah didn’t understand God’s actions after so much success in Elijah’s life. The faithfulness of God must have felt so distant. Like Elijah, we will do well to remember that our God is ALWAYS faithful, but His plans are not always our plans. When Elijah arrived at the mountain of God after walking for 40 days, the LORD asked him a crazy question. God Himself had sent Elijah to the mountain and then asked him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”. Elijah responded down and depressed (1st Kings 19:9-10). You’d think that was enough, but then God sent shattering wind, earthquakes and fire before asking Elijah the same question again. Again, Elijah gave the same answer. In the sweet stillness (vs. 12) after the storms God answered Elijah telling him his next assignment. Pulling himself up by his bootstraps I am sure, Elijah continued to obey God and headed back the way he had just came. This time, God continued protecting Elijah, provided him with a helper (Elisha) and promised that 7000 Israelites would be saved (1 Kings 19:11-18). There is no doubt this refreshing protection, partnership and promise that Elijah experienced blessed him like nothing else! How wonderful it is to look back able to see God’s handiwork on our lives. Has God ever reminded you that even though you may be tired and weary, the job He has for you is not done? Sickness, busy schedules, responsibilities, disappointments and much more surround us but we have the assurance that God hears us, listens, and will provide what is best for us according to His plan.

Elijah and Elisha set about doing great things for the Lord. In 2 Kings 2:1-13, Elijah and Elisha crossed the Jordan River on dry land, and Elisha, knowing that Elijah would not be with him much longer, asked to be blessed with a double portion of Elijah’s spirit. WOW! Can you imagine someone realizing how close you walked with the Lord that they wanted a double portion of your spirit? My sweet sister, people are watching us every day and our reactions to trials are noticed. Be that woman that makes the worst situation be the best testimony of God’s faithfulness. Yes, there are times that we will get discouraged, be depressed, doubt and ask why. During these times we MUST remember God’s faithfulness and remain faithful trusting Him and His plan. The end of the story is this: Elijah was taken directly into heaven by a chariot of fire. Elisha picked up Elijah’s mantle and used it to cross the Jordan again on dry land and continued carrying on the legacy that Elijah set for him. Elijah and Elisha’s legacy continued to influence Israel for years. Even the New Testament speaks of the return of Elijah as the forerunner or the one to announce the coming of the Messiah (Mark 1).

Sweet sister, I know many of you are exhausted, tired, stressed, and worried among other emotions. Just as Esther was chosen for “such a time as this” I know you all are where you are because God has a plan. Minister to that husband, child, neighbor, friend, or anyone else that God puts in your path. Answer the call even at your weakest point depending on God for the strength and increase. Memorize 2 Corinthians 12:9, “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me”. God continues to call every one of us to listen in stillness and answer the call whenever and wherever He sees fit- even if this is in the midst of your worse moment. Take up the mantel and ask for a double portion of God’s filling. For grace beyond imagination, strength that you never knew you had and for God’s power in your life so that you may be a living testimony for Him turning your exhaustion to exaltation of your Heavenly Father!

Scripture to meditate on: 1 Kings 17-19; 2 Kings 2; Isaiah 40:31, 41:10, 46:4; Palm 23:4, 28:7; 2 Corinthians 12:9, Philippians 4:13

Think About These:

1. What are some of the strengths & weaknesses of Elijah as a character? Do you think you have any of these characteristics?

2. What does this story teach us about God’s nature?

3. How does this story encourage you?

4. What does 1 King’s 17 tell you about the relationship between God and Elijah?

5. What speaks to you most about this beautiful story from God?

Pray: Compile your answers to the above 5 questions into a pray to God. He already knows your fears, struggles, hopes, and goals. Let Him be a part of every next step in your life.

~Live Sent