Strength to Live

1 Kings 19:4 NIV

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.”

One of the struggles I have seen in this season is the struggle to survive amid difficult and tumultuous seasons. The lack of sunlight during the seasonal change, holiday season, business of work and ending the year while successfully achieving goals. We can’t ignore the transition of loved ones and grief that accompanies. Encountering these things can cause one to feel like giving up, struggling to live, fighting to push forward, etc. How do you find the strength to live when everything in you wants to quit or throw in the towel?

The prophet Elijah finds himself at this point in life, running because of the threat on his life and now desiring to end life under a broom tree. Elijah goes underneath and prays that God would take his life because he’s had enough. The prophet has been reflecting on all that he has been doing, he’s exhausted and ready to quit. Even when you are fulfilling your God given assignment there will be moments when you become fatigued and struggle with the strength to live. The angel of the Lord visits Elijah twice with food and beverage, once he finished his meal the prophet was strengthened to move forward and live. God understands precisely where you are and at the right time will step in with strength for the journey. Understand that you will have moments when the assignment becomes overwhelming, and you’ll think forward is not an option but rely on God’s strength to help you live beyond.

God provided food and beverage to strengthen the prophet for the journey ahead, what do you need to be strengthened to live?

The prophet went underneath the broom tree to escape, what is your broom tree or place of escape?