Elijah said, “I have been very zealous for the Lord. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to death. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me to.” (1 Kings 19:10)
God had just used the prophet Elijah to defend His glory by defeating 450 prophets of Baal. But shortly after one of the greatest victories in all the Bible, Elijah had come to the end of his proverbial rope because the pagan queen Jezebel sent word that she had sworn to kill him. Elijah experienced a false sense of failure and wanted his life to simply end and make the pain go away. Scripture tells us, “He came to a broom tree, sat down under it and prayed that he might die” (1 Kings 19:4). But God would have none of it; Elijah needed physical refreshment and spiritual restoration, and God met Elijah in his place of deep need and miraculously provided for both. As he slept under the broom tree, the angel of the Lord appeared — not once, but twice — saying, “Arise and eat!” The Lord recommissioned Elijah for further ministry.
From the mountaintop to the deep valley below, we all experience what the prophet Elijah experienced from time to time: It’s called burnout. Now, I know some Christians are not willing to admit that they are struggling with burnout because they have been taught to “Keep a stiff upper lip” and “Never let anyone see you sweat.” Such platitudes are as sad as they are silly. Because we have not yet been perfected — and we won’t be until we are received into glory — we will all go through “Broom Tree Experiences” from time to time, when we feel . . .
Exhausted
Depressed
Alone
Ready To Give Up
We’ve all been there; we have given our all in the service of God, and our “all” just didn’t seem like enough. We felt drained, depressed, and despairing. Then God shows up. And He keeps right on showing up every time we go through these seasons of struggle. When you find yourself under the broom tree for whatever reason, remember the Lord is with you, He is for you, and He is in you. And the words He spoke to Elijah, He is speaking to you and me today: “Arise and eat!”
So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)
This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!
Grace for the Race 