I received three emails within a week that reminded me of a seldom discussed reality – spiritual exhaustion. While the Christian ideal is to endure hardness as a good soldier, some situations make quitting an attractive option. Seriously, it’s hard to be kind to people who always have a nasty attitude. It’s a task to pray for people who don’t mind hurting your feelings. Certain circumstances tempt you to throw up your hands and say, “I’ve had enough; I just can’t do this any longer!”
Elijah, the great prophet of GOD, had had enough in the verse cited above. He had, with GOD’S assistance, defeated at least 450 false prophets on Mt. Carmel, and almost immediately thereafter, Queen Jezebel sent him a death threat. What misfortune – it seems like if it’s not one thing, then it’s another. Elijah grew so weary that death seemed like the only hope for bliss. But no sooner than he’d reached his limit, GOD sent an angel to reassure and strengthen him for the remainder of his journey. Isn’t that neat? GOD has a way of reassuring and recharging us when we’re at our wits end.
I’m thankful that GOD’S reassuring power didn’t end with Elijah. When JESUS was in Gethsemane, wrestling with HIS pending death, an angel came to give HIM strength (see Luke 22:39-46). This same power is available to us; no wonder Isaiah said, “But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31, New Living Translation).
GOD still reassures. Have you tried HIM?