Then he went on alone into the wilderness, traveling all day. He sat down under a solitary broom tree and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, LORD,” he said. “Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors who have already died.”
Then he lay down and slept under the broom tree. But as he was sleeping, an angel touched him and told him, “Get up and eat!” 1 Kings 19:4-5
Oh, Elijah…how I relate to you. You have fought a tremendous battle…you confronted evil head-on…you were a mighty champion for your God…and now here you are, laying under a broom tree…tired, discouraged, totally spent. Oh, and having a pity party.
Elijah needs some sustenance…both physically and spiritually. I’ve been there…maybe even there right now. The angel tells him he need to eat. Elijah looked around and there was some baked bread and a jar of water right there beside him, so he ate and drank this meal that had appeared out of nowhere.
Then the angel of the LORD came again and touched him and said, “Get up and eat some more, or the journey ahead will be too much for you.” 1 Kings 19:7
This journey happened to be a trip through the wilderness that would last for 40 days and 40 nights. Probably not going to be an easy journey…the wilderness is seldom an easy place. If we are going to be going to the wilderness we are going to need bread for the journey.
In the “Bread for the Wilderness” Lenten study, the author states it this way: “Without my Presence, you’ll never survive the journey that is ahead.”
How often do we set out without the proper food…without the Presence of the Lord going with us? No wonder we get weary…no wonder we feel defeated…no wonder the Enemy wreaks havoc with us. It is time to recognize our need for the true Bread of Life…he is after all the One who came through the wilderness in total victory, prepared to do the Father’s will.
Lord, I hunger for you…I need all that you will give me on this journey I travel. Feed me. Guide me, direct me…may Your Presence go with me. Amen
cholley's musings 