It is easy to get discouraged and to feel overwhelmed. We have numerous responsibilities and expectations put upon us and the pressure to accomplish it all can be a heavy burden. The burden can feel especially heavy if we are convinced we must carry it alone.
Consider just a couple of moments from the life of the great prophet Elijah:
· He was the instrument God used to raise a precious child from the dead and reunite him with his mother (1 Kings 17:21-23).
· His was the voice that offered the simple prayer for confirmation that God was in control…his were the eyes that saw fire fall from heaven and consume the altar…his were the ears that heard the voices of the amazed people shouting, “The Lord, He is God!” (1 Kings 18:36-39).
Yet, in spite of all this, the very next chapter (1 Kings 19) reveals a man who is overwhelmed, discouraged, and afraid.
· He was afraid of what earthly governments threatened to do to him (1 Kings 19:2-3).
· He felt inadequate to do his job (1 Kings 19:4).
· He felt alone and unable to complete his task (1 Kings 19:10, 14).
In his time of need, the Lord reminded him that he was NOT alone.
· There were seven thousand in Israel alone who had not given in to evil (1 Kings 19:18).
· More than that, the Lord Himself was watching and protecting.
Let us be reminded of these things and be encouraged! We may feel overwhelmed at times, but we are never alone! The Lord watched over and provided for Elijah—He is watching over us as well.
