The Preacher Who Faced Burnout And Ran From A Woman

Instead of embracing God and His government, King Ahab “ran to his wife Jezebel,” who threatened to kill Elijah within 24 hours.  Quite the woman for him to “run to her for cover.” Hmmm. In any case, after we experience a great spiritual victory we may experience a great spiritual decline. This was Elijah’s plight. He cowered under the threat of this woman, after having displayed the power of God before the nation.  Elijah was experiencing fatigue, burnout and discouragement. Imagine the physical and emotional effort it took at Mount Carmel?  Not to mention weeks of hiding from the king. We would do well to take care of ourselves and not just the work of ministry. The challenges of the work can take a toll on us. In Elijah’s case, we see a man who lost sight of his God, his mission and his confidence. He ran away, and when confronted claimed “He was the only one left”. Impossible!  He knew there were other prophets (18:13). Burnout can lead us to make foolish choices and can drive us into self-pity.

Still, we see a God who cares for His servants, even when we feel like we are the only one. God plus one is still a majority. Elijah forgot that. When he asked God to take his life, the Lord provided food and water. The angel told him “Eat, because the journey is too great for you”.  On the strength of that food, God sustained Elijah for 40 days and 40 nights till he got to Mount Horeb. Remember Mount Horeb? This was the place where God met Moses and gave him the Ten Commandments. There are times when after facing mountains, that the only means of sustenance is time with God. Sometimes you just have to get away and feast on His food and presence, in a special place. Mount Horeb meant something to God and to Elijah. Where is your Mount Horeb?  One godly woman I know spends time by the beach with God pouring out her heart during her lunch breaks. This is her Mount Horeb. Is there a special place where you know you can meet God? It is at these places and during these times when we find strength for the journey – The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want…He restores my soul.