Physical Tiredness vs Spirituality

1 And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, also how he had executed all the prophets with the sword. 2 Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by tomorrow about this time.” 3 And when he saw that, he arose and ran for his life, and went to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there.
4 But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he prayed that he might die, and said, “It is enough! Now, LORD, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers!” 1 Kings 19:1-4

I shared on this passage several months ago with campus. But didn't thrust on this text. I shared more on the still small voice of God and how God works beyond what our feeble senses can see. That even in a whisper, God's word is more powerful than the wind, the lightning and thunder that Elijah saw on Horeb or Mt Sinai.

Here it is a journey in Elijah life as a prophet. He had just gained victory over Jezebel's false prophets. Being able to summon fire from heaven to lick up the prepared sacrifice, while the Baal prophets, were unable, Elijah has shown the people of Israel who God really is. He is Yahweh, Jehovah God.
Elijah and the people of Israel siezed the false prophets and then he oversaw their execution. Elijah then run ahead of King Ahab to the King's winter palace Jezreel and he did this all on foot and bear in mind, it was also raining and not just rain, but pouring rain. Remember God has promised the drought in Israel has ended and Elijah had just declared the coming of rain clouds from God.

So tt must have been very exhausting. From the confrontation of the false prophets, to their execution, to running on foot in the rain ahead of King Ahab to his winter palace, this passage did not record that Elijah rested for one moment.

Later on, Ahab told Jezebel what Elijah did. Jezebel then ordered Elijah be slayed. Upon hearing this, Elijah who just slayed the thousands of Baal's prophets, who witnessed the awesome display of God's power in the burning of the sacrifice, turned coward and run for dear life. How could he?

This passage run in my mind today coz I realise this, just as Elijah did that day. Elijah must have been physically exhausted. Upon a threat of a women, his physical exhausation overwhelmed him and all he could think was not his God, but himself. He couldn't think. Neither could he have faith. He didn't remember his God. He only saw his fear and he run. He did the natural where doing the supernatural seems more apt. After all, earlier in the day, he had saw the mircale God did. But Elijah run.

No amount of spirituality, faith, love and good works can be done unless a Christian is well rested. A well rested mind allows you to lean on God. No true spirituality can be exercised except with a clear and sound mind. Faith comes by hearing and hearing of the preached word of God. No confidence and trust in God can come except by hearing. When we are tired, we become dull. Dull in everything. Dull with God.

Well, tells me one thing. Dun over-exhast himself. If you are mindful of your relationship with God, stillness is ALWAYs needful.

I didn't realise this till this week has gone by. I have worked myself to the ground. This week, I must make it a point to rest more. I am getting more tired. Reading the bible has become dull. It just occur to me why...And the words that our LORD Jesus said to Martha...Martha martha..doesn't that ring a bell??

Well, God, thanks for the timely reminder.