Elijah and stress 

(1 Kings 19.1-18) 

Elijah was running away, afraid that Jezebel was going to kill him. The angel fed him to give him strength to run away, then God sent him back. 

If Elijah's running away was from fear, a lack of faith, and not part of God's plan; why did God send Elijah provision for his run?

You must read this account in I Kings 19, perhaps a couple of times, in order to get all the pieces of the story in place. Keep in mind that Elijah had just experienced a massive, major victory over Ahab and the prophets of idols. There were now eight hundred fifty dead false prophets in Israel, and the people had witnessed the consuming fire of God falling upon Elijah's sacrifice!

Great victory, magnificent display of Divine power, the ending of a three year drought when there had been no clouds in sight...and then Elijah seems to fall apart and run away. Run, run, run. For forty days and nights he ran away.

Our feelings of insignificance are often the greatest after the adrenalin subsides following our great joys and exuberance.

There is an enemy of our soul who recognizes the opportunities afforded him when we are stressed. It is the design of evil to discourage, defeat, and disenfranchise people who are at peace with God.

God's love for us isn't limited to the times we feel strong and courageous. He loves us when we are week and vulnerable. He will give us strength to stand or strength to run...He knows our path and will not abandon us.

When we get to the point where we are able to hear Him above the pounding of our heart and the fears of our 'what ifs...' He will speak to us. The question may not be discernable as being from God, but the question will always and inevitably need to be, "What are you doing here?"

We tend to interpret it as having a 'why?' but it isn't a 'why?' it is always a 'what?' from God. WE want to know the "why's" in life. It is part of the victimization thing; blame assessment.

God isn't into that. God wants us to contemplate and understand WHAT we are doing here. HERE, not just physically and circumstantially, but also existentially. God has put you HERE! You are here for a reason and if where you are doesn't seem to make sense in light of the greater existential reason for being, then maybe you need to examine WHAT you are DOING where you are.

You can always find God regardless of which path you run down. His great love for you and purpose in your existence isn't limited to which dirt road you are on. There is a saying that 'all roads lead to Rome.' When the grace of God in your moment settles upon you, you will find yourself in His purpose. 

Elijah wasn't told 'plan B' by God in that cave on the mountain. It was still 'plan A.' God wasn't angry. He didn't come in the wind, earthquake nor fire. He spoke gently, confirming that vindication was coming and there was plenty of help available.

So it is with you. You will continue to experience stresses in life. Some will be victories and some will be cause for fear or anger. God is there and will be asking you, "What are you doing here?"

It isn't an accusation. It is a gentle question of concern. It is to prompt you to remember Whose you are and to understand He isn't through with you in any way! He has already lined up your help down the road. He will give you rest and provision. He understands when you don't have the emotional or physical strength. When you are replenished...go for it!