Read 1 Kings 19:1-4
Now Ahab told Jezebel everything Elijah had done and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. So Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah to say, “May the gods deal with me, be it ever so severely, if by this time tomorrow I do not make your life like that of one of them.”
Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, 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.”
On Sunday, Pastor Danielle gave us an overview of Elijah’s life and ministry. The big picture context of Elijah’s story is helpful for us to understand as we seek to learn from his wilderness experiences. The most well-known story of Elijah, in 1 Kings 19, describes Elijah fleeing from his enemies through a barren wilderness (i.e. desert!). Having read the preceding chapters, it is interesting to note that this is NOT Elijah’s first time in the wilderness.
Prior to this experience, he embarked on a different wilderness journey and in the end, tore down the idols of Baal and put the Glory of God on display. But this time, Elijah enters the Wilderness in a different place. This time, he enters the wilderness in fear (19 vs 3). He doesn’t appear to be in constant dialogue with God like he was previously. He seems to have lost hope. He’s exhausted. He’s discouraged. He’s feeling emotionally, physically, and spiritually spent. Have you ever felt like that? I know I have. As we continue to see Elijah’s story unfold, take some time to reflect on seasons of your life where you felt like Elijah.
Prayer: Lord, you are infinite and everlasting. I am finite and limited. Sometimes I get worn out, fed up, and overwhelmed to the point of despair. I lay those feelings and my own limits before you today. I know that you see me, and humbly ask that you would meet me here.
