Devotion by Mike Geiger originally published in 2009 on www.whataboutjesus.com
For this week’s Sermon from Cross & Crown (CLICK HERE)
3 Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, 4 while he himself went a day’s journey into the desert. 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.” 5 Then he lay down under the tree and fell asleep.
All at once an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.” 6 He looked around, and there by his head was a cake of bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again.
7 The angel of the LORD came back a second time and touched him and said, “Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.” 8 So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God. (1 Kings 19:3-8)
I’ve Had Enough!!!
John knew the good life. He was making a six figure income. He had a beautiful wife and three children. He was active in his church and loved to volunteer as his kids’ soccer coach. But that was then. Now he was unemployed. His wife had been diagnosed with cancer and one of his children had contracted the “swine flu.” As he sat up one night trying to make sense of it all, the only thing that came through his mind was the thought, “I have had enough Lord. I don’t know what to do. I have given my life to honor you and now this is what I have to deal with. I feel like dying.”
Life can quickly turn us from the height of joy and prosperity to one of depression and hopelessness. Why, Lord? Why am I still alive? It would be better if I were dead. Have these thoughts crossed your mind? Do you know someone else who has or is thinking this? It is a very debilitating and dark place to be. Yet, we wouldn’t be the first one.
The prophet Elijah had just seen the power of the Almighty God send fire from heaven to consume his sacrifice and altar in the front for 400 prophets of the false god, Baal (See 1 Kings 18). You would think this affirmation would propel the prophet with boldness and confidence. But when a death threat came from the Queen of Israel, he ran for his life to the desert and found a broom tree. There he prayed, “I have had enough, LORD,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors” (1 Kings 19:4).
Life without the Lord is a dark and depressing place to be. Yet, in his grace, shortly after this, the Lord made himself evident to Elijah through a still small voice to encourage and strengthen him (1 Kings 19:12). If your days are dark and depressed and you feel like you have had enough, maybe it is time to open the pages of Scripture or to connect with a Bible-preaching church (go to www.whataboutjesus.com and click on “Church Locator”) to hear the still small voice of the Lord say to you, “I love you. I forgive you. I have not forsaken you and have plans to bless you through this situation.”
Prayer:
Dear Lord when I am at my wits end and feel as if I want to die, please turn my heart to you to find true joy, true hope and true love in your Son, Jesus Christ. Speak to me in the quiet voice of your Word to encourage and strengthen my faith in you. AMEN.