The Journey Back From Collapse

alicia britt chole ~ onewholeworld, inc.
from her book Sitting in God's Sunshine

The Lord said, "Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by." 1 Kings 19.11

Elijah was absolutely exhausted.  He faced and defeated 450 false prophets. He climbed a mountain to earnestly intercede for drought-ending rain. He ran for twenty-five miles faster than the King's chariot. And now, in what should have been a moment of victory, wicked Jezebel sent word that she was planning to kill him.

That was it. He was done. The combination of post-ministry exhaustion and fear of man was just too much. Elijah ran for his life, "and prayed that he might die. 'I have had enough, Lord,' he said. 'Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.'" (1 Kings 19.4)

Though few of us have faced several hundred prophets of Baal, we do understand extreme weariness. The stresses of work and finances, the strains of relationships and conflicts, and the realities of spiritual opposition leave us feeling fatigued. Add a crisis to that normal load, and we can collapse altogether.

How did Elijah journey from collapse to a place where he had the strength to obey God again? Typically to answer that question we turn to Elijah’s encounter with God on Mount Horeb. But even before his incredible mountain experience, Elijah was regaining strength in small and seemingly insignificant ways in the desert. How?

1. Elijah prayed. After running from Jezebel, an isolated Elijah plopped down under a scruffy tree in the desert and prayed. Yes, it was a pretty miserable prayer, but he was still talking to God and every little bit helps!

2. (and 5 and 9) Elijah slept. No instant cures exist for fatigue. Our bodies cannot be plugged into an outlet and revived in an hour. There are no substitutes for time and rest.

3. (and 6) Elijah was touched by an angel. When we are exhausted, God sends His messengers to us in many forms: the hug of a child, a call from a friend, the touch of a loved one. God’s arms are long enough to reach us, even in the desert.

4. (and 7) Elijah ate. Some of us wish we would lose our appetite! But for those of us who actually do, we must remember to eat. In his state of weariness, Elijah enjoyed angelic cuisine.

5. Then Elijah encountered God on the mountain. After a very long walk, Elijah arrived at Mount Horeb. God instructed him to, "Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by." (1 Kings 19.10-11)

There Elijah saw a shattering wind, an earthquake, and a fire, "but the Lord was not in" them. During these three powerful events Elijah heard NOTHING which could have been a bit frustrating. So perhaps we should not be surprised when we hear nothing also. And perhaps we should be encouraged that in the midst of silence; even when it is the last thing we want to hear & see something in the waiting still works to strengthen our souls.

 God was in the gentle whisper. There God and Elijah exchanged the identical dialogue they had in the cave:

The word of the Lord came to him: "What are you doing here, Elijah?" He replied, "I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too." 1 Kings 19.13-14

Creativity runs low when we are exhausted. So Elijah repeated his previous response: "I have done my best but nothing seems to make a difference. I am all alone and some people would be happier if I were gone."

Elijah's words have not changed much from his prayer under the tree in the desert but his weariness has obviously subsided because when God gives Elijah directions, the prophet has sufficient strength to obey.

 Certainly the concentration of God's presence on the mountain strengthened Elijah, but God's presence in the desert carried him there. In minute yet meaningful ways, God's presence was refreshing Elijah all along as he slept and ate, walked and prayed, was touched by angels and waiting for God to speak.

As we journey from collapse back to a point where we have strength to obey, let us be careful to not underestimate the desert. The mountain is amazing, but the desert is equally full of God's presence to refresh our lives.

Resting in God’s Truth...

• God can bring us back from collapse. 

• That journey includes weak prayers, much rest, good food, long walks, and the touch of a few angels.

• In the desert as well as on the mountain, God’s exhausted sons and daughters will find restoration in His Presence.

 Explore more of alicia's resources online in the resourceroom at http://www.truthportraits.com/

© alicia britt chole ~ onewholeworld, inc.