AVOIDING A BREAKDOWN

AVOIDING A BREAKDOWN!

1 Kings 19:4

4 But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.

           Elijah was on my mind all day yesterday. I awoke with him on my mind this morning. If we study Elijah the movie instead of Elijah the snapshot, we see a pattern of physical, emotional, and spiritual danger.

           The winding road from Cherith, where he was fed by ravens, to Zarephath, where a widow shared her last meal, ended under a Juniper tree where he was fed by angels. The Bible says that meal lasted him for forty days!

           Most of us don’t have the constitution or character of Elijah. Even Elisha, his successor, noticed it and wanted a double portion. But even super heroes have chinks in their armor.

           It is either a break or a breakdown for most of us! Improper nutrition, insufficient rest, and the pressure of constant challenges can break us down. We see ourselves small and the problems large. We are wounded so we snap at our friends and helpers. We need a break – or we are headed for a breakdown.

           Sometimes the most productive thing we can do is to rest. If stress can challenge one like Elijah or the Apostle Paul it surely can wear us down. Run to Jesus and let him give you rest.

2 Cor 1:8

8 For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life:

Dear Lord, help us to pay attention to ourselves and to be aware of the signs of fatigue. Let us run to you for rest and refreshment. AMEN