1 Kings 19:4-8

“But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a solitary broom tree. He asked that he might die: ‘It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life, for I am no better than my ancestors.’” vs. 4

Elijah had been quite successful in battling with the prophets of Baal in Israel, but Queen Jezebel was a formidable foe and he fled for his life. He was done! Alone in the wilderness he was ready to give up–he wanted to die! Some of us know the feeling! It can come at us quite by surprise, and it’s not that we’re suicidal. Sometimes it can be the sense that life has passed us by and we no longer have anything useful to contribute. Or maybe it’s that there seems to be no end to the divisiveness and polarization, and we’re just plain tired of the bickering. Those who are getting up in years and living with the joys and sorrows of retirement can also get to the point where they’ve had enough of the decline. Or maybe we’re just getting tired of going to funerals! Whatever the reason, the thought starts coming to mind, “Maybe I’m done–it really wouldn’t be that bad to just say good-bye!” We might even echo Elijah, “It is enough: now, O Lord, take away my life.” And then the word comes from the Lord, “Nope, not yet.” And so we go on, living as fully as we can for as long as we can! And the angels sing for joy!

Thought for the Day: When do I feel like giving up?