No one is immune to burnout. It sometimes comes on the heels of our greatest achievements. Case in point is the legendary prophet, Elijah. After a great victory, a threat was made on his life, and this mighty prophet spiraled downward into depression.
"he was afraid and arose and ran for his life and came to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there. But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree; and he requested for himself that he might die, and said, 'It is enough; now, O Lord, take my life, for I am not better than my fathers." (1 Kings 19.3-4)
A picture of this dark chapter in Elijah's life emerges. He was afraid, alone, despondent, tired, hungry, and thirsty (verses 3-8). Physically weakness factored in to emotional and spiritual weakness.
It may be some consolation to us to know that even the mightiest people of God suffer discouragement and depression. It is also hopeful and helpful to know that God provides ways to meet these difficult needs: rest, food and drink, companionship, and renewed purpose. Carefully study 1 Kings 19 and discover God's renewing work in Elijah's life.
There are inevitable dark chapters in each of our lives. Whether we are aware of it or not, these are times when God sustains us even as He did Elijah. As we also learn from Elijah, we come out of these seasons of life stronger and better.
Regardless of your current season of life, may 1 Kings 19 be a source of rich encouragement to you.
©Steve Taylor, 2018 --Used by permission
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/ & https://kingdomdreamer.blogspot.com/
Amazon ebook & print devotional -http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW
paperback print copy of book — https://www.createspace.com/4500045