"I just can't go on anymore..."

READ 1 KINGS 19.
In this chapter of scripture, we read the story of Elijah the prophet. In chapter 18, we see how he challenged and defeated (by God's power of course) four hundred prophets of the false God Baal. However in chapter 19, after such a great victory, he flees for his life, after being threatened by the king's wife Jezebel. Jezebel states in verse 2, "So let the gods do to me,...if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by tomorrow this time."
In verse 4, Elijah cries out to the Lord, "It is enough! Now Lord, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers." As I read and reflected on this story, it occurred to me that discouragement/depression ofter come after experiences of joy, achievement or great fulfilment, as it occurred with Elijah. One day, he was on top of Mount Carmel calling down fire from heaven (18:37,38), the next, he is fleeing in fear to the wilderness (19:3). In this story, God's awsome love for man is demonstrated. We see how he can lift us out of discouragement and despair.
After being threatened, Elijah journeys a day into the wilderness. While at his lowest point, God sends an angel with food and water for His servant. The angel encourages him saying "Arise and eat, for the journey is too long for you." God is always looking out for us and is able to provide for every need. After being fed and strengthened by God, Elijah travels for forty days and nights (verse 8). Contrast this to when he initially fled. In his own strength, he only managed one day's travel to the wilderness. In the same way, on this Christian journey, we need the Lord to feed and strengthen us. We must pray to Him and read His precious word - the Bible. We cannot make it by our own efforts.
After providing for his physical need, God now seeks to meet Elijah's emotional need. In verse 9, notice that God asks "What are you doing here Elijah?" The Lord doesn't condemn or chastise him as many think He would. Rather, God gives Elijah the chance to express himself. It's at this point that Elijah pours out his heart to the Master. You see friend, God always wants us to come to Him, and tell Him what we are feeling. If you are angry, weak, discouraged or depressed, you can go to Him in prayer. The worst thing you can do is to 'bottle up' these feelings. This only intensifies the negative feelings, and can even lead to destructive behaviour. God is a loving Father who wants to hear and respond. He already knows what we need before we ask Him (Matthew 6).
Elijah tells God of his loneliness (verse 10) - "I have been very zealous for the Lord God of hosts; for the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars and killed Your prophets by the sword. I alone am left, and they seek to take my life." Loneliness can destroy. Sometimes you may feel as if you are the only person on earth experiencing your present hurt/situation. You may feel that no one cares or understands. God cares, God understands.
God continues to fellowship with His prophet on Mount Horeb (verse 11-15) He gave Elijah signs of His presence - the wind, earthquake, fire, then a still small voice. God, in your darkest hour can do something in your life to let you know that He is there wit you. It may a word of encouragement from a friend or a surprise financial gift to meet an urgent need.
The Lord then reveals to His prophet that he is not alone (verse 18). He reserved 7000 other prophets. No doubt, Elijah was uplifted to know that God had kept so many others like himself. He was not as lonely as before. Furthermore, God sent him to a young man called Elisha. Elisha would become Elijah's faithful servant and friend. Eventually, when Elijah was miraculously caught up to heaven (2 Kings 2), Elisha succeeded him.
God knew that Elijah needed a friend, someone to fellowship with. We too need good friends. We can and should depend on the Lord to bring the right people into our likes. Friends can be a source of encouragement and comfort, especially in the hard times.
Overall this story shows God's love of man, in providing his needs in various ways. The Bible is full of such examples from cover to cover! The greatest example though of God's love is when He sent His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to die on Calvary's cross for our sins. Because of this they that believe have a lively hope of eternal life. Please, accept Jesus today.

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