Tired and Hangry

1 Kings 19:4-9 4 while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, 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 bush 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 some 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. 9 There he went into a cave and spent the night.

Just prior to this, Elijah had won a huge victory over the prophets of Baal, he called down fire from heaven to consume a sacrifice proving God is THE God. He also overcame his fear of Queen Jezebel, who threatened to kill him. He should have been on cloud 9. Everything seemed to have gone his way. But instead, here he was, exhausted, and giving up, praying for God to take his life. God’s answer is interesting.

Elijah slept, then God sent angels to bring him food. TWICE! I do not mean to make light of scripture, but I can relate. Just ask my husband what I am like when I am tired and haven’t eaten!! I have never been to battle, I have never run for my life with a murderous Queen after me. But I have been exhausted. Sometimes God just calls his children to rest… and eat. Of course, none of us have had to fight like Elijah did, but we have our own battles. We get weary! Even Jesus slept and his body needed food. Take time this summer to rest. To refresh your soul. To be alone with God.

Lord, show us when we need to rest. We all have so many things we need to be doing, but there is truly nothing more important than spending time with you. That is the MOST refreshing! Amen

Shirlene Peterson