God Cares For Us
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 desert. He came to a broom tree, 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." Then he lay down under the tree and fell asleep. -- 1 Kings 19:3-5a
Some seasons of life are just tough. It seems as though life keeps throwing darts and, well, they hurt. Every time you think things are about to change for the better, something else happens and down you go -- again. Have you ever been there?
During this difficult season there are always ample people around to criticize you and to blame you for everything that has gone wrong. Sick? You should have taken better care of yourself. Unemployed? You should have realized your company was downsizing. Divorce? You should have married smarter or worked harder. The list goes on and on. People love to pile it on when you're already down.
I'm so thankful that God doesn't do that. I love the story of Elijah. This prophet was strong and committed to God. Until one day he'd just had one thing too many dumped on him. He fell apart. Anyone who has ever fell into that dark pit can relate. Many of us can be so strong in the fire, then we just collapse when it's all over. We're just done. That's where Elijah found himself.
God could have chastised him. He could have given Elijah a pep talk and sent him on his way. Instead, God sent an angel to minister to his servant. When he was strengthened, then God spoke to Elijah. I believe that God is that way with us. When life has worn us down and we feel we can't go on, God doesn't punish us for being tired. He cares for us, loves us, will welcome us into His loving embrace. God will strengthen us until we can go on again, turning darkness into light.
I am so grateful to know that when the world is crashing down all around me, God doesn't join the crowd.
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