“The journey is too great for you.” 1 Kings 19:7
Elijah had triumphed over the prophets of Baal. The Lord turned the hearts of the people back to Him—they fell to their knees and said, “The Lord, He is God!” Then they killed the false prophets. Elijah prayed, and the 3-year drought ended with a “great rain.“ Then Elijah ran ahead of the king’s chariot back to the city.
What a great victory!
But when King Ahab told his Queen all that Elijah had done, Jezebel was not happy. She threatened to kill him within 24 hours. Elijah was afraid and “ran for his life” into the wilderness. Isolated, exhausted, at the end of his rope and ready to die.
And God saw. He sent an angel to feed him, to watch over him as he slept, then to feed him again, because “the journey was too great” for him. Elijah traveled 40 days and nights to the mount of God, to a cave, where the Lord met with him.
In a still, small voice, the Lord asked, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” Elijah gave his perspective: I’ve been faithful, but I’m the only one left and now they want to kill me.
God corrected his perspective:
Elijah was not alone.
God designated other leaders and followers who remained faithful. Helpers.
It wasn’t all on Elijah. Yes, there was still work to do and he needed to walk in obedience, but there were others involved in the plan.
Do you feel like the journey is too great for you? God sees you—He sees your struggle. And He offers rest to all who will come to Him to receive it.
