God’s Loving Restoration…

Elijah was a great prophet of the Lord.  He ministered to the Nation of Israel during the reign of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel.  During his ministry he saw the Lord do many miraculous things.
One of the most phenomenal events during his years of service was the battle with the prophets of Baal on Mt. Carmel.  Elijah demonstrated to the nation of Israel, that Jehovah was the only true God.  He prayed to the Lord and fire came down from heaven and completely burned his offering and the stone alter.  Elijah showed Israel that day that there was only one true God and they needed to turn back to Him.

In the midst of all this, Queen Jezebel threatens to kill Elijah and he runs for his life.  Even though he had experienced all these victories, he escapes into the wilderness, sat down under a juniper tree, physically, emotionally and spiritually exhausted.  Elijah could not go on for he was…
Physically exhausted…

“Then the hand of the LORD came upon Elijah; and he girded up his loins and ran ahead of Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel.”  1 Kings 18:46

Elijah was physically exhausted as he ran in front of King Ahab’s chariot for 25 miles from Mt. Carmel to Jezreel.  Even though God enabled him to run all that distance, Elijah was physically exhausted.  He needed physical rest.

Emotionally drained…1 Kings 19:4

But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he prayed that he might die, and said, “It is enough! Now, LORD, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers!”
           
Elijah was emotionally drained as he sat down under the juniper tree and prayed that he would die.  He was depleted emotionally and he could not see life from a clear perspective.  He needed to allow himself to have emotional rest.

Spiritually distraught…1 Kings 19:10

So he said, “I have been very zealous for the LORD God of hosts; for the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left; and they seek to take my life.”

Elijah spiritually had lost perspective and no longer saw life clearly.  He felt he was the only one left who was faithful to God and soon he would be found and killed.  He needed time for spiritual restoration in his life.

We see how God lovingly and tenderly responds to Elijah.  He allows him to rest.  An angel brings him food and water and allows time for Elijah to be completely restored.  When Elijah was healthy, physically, emotionally and spiritually, God revealed the next steps of ministry to him.

As you go through life and ministry, are you beginning to feel, physically, emotionally and spiritually exhausted?  Can you hear God saying to you, “It is okay to rest and take care of yourself?”  Let us take time today to honestly assess ourselves and to rest in the Lord’s presence for renewed strength.