Elijah was a man of great faith. Right before this verse, Elijah brought a rain of fire down on Israel to display the power and presence of the one true God. Yet, the next thing out of his mouth was, “I have had enough, Lord. Take my life.” What could have been going through his head and heart?
This man of great faith was facing disappointment. Elijah had just shown the nation of Israel a powerful glimpse at their Lord. How could every heart not turn away from false prophets? Shouldn’t the faithfulness of Israel be restored? Instead, he was met by a death threat. His people denied him, denied God and turned back to their idols.
So, Elijah gave up. He fled into isolation, begging God for an end to his suffering. Why? Because he had crashed down from the mountain top. This great work wasn’t stacking up to Elijah’s expectations. Sure, God had a plan to use it for the good of Israel, but Elijah didn’t see the plan unfolding like he had imagined.
But God wasn’t angry with Elijah in this moment of weakness. He could feel Elijah’s pain and disappointment as he cried out. God’s response to Elijah reveals the truth of our Heavenly Father’s heart. He sent an angel to the grieving man and commanded him to rest and eat. God didn’t demand Elijah get over it and muscle through. He held him, gave him rest and restored his hope. He can do the same for you.
Since Adam and Eve, disappointment and pain have been part of the human experience. If we hold tight to our own plans and expectations like Elijah did, they will only compound. Instead, in the moments where all feels helpless, cling to the promises of God and run into His arms.
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