LEARNING DAILY

1 Kings 19:4, Then he went on alone into the wilderness, traveling all day. He sat down under a solitary broom tree and prayed that he might die. 'I have had enough, Lord,' he said. 'Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors who have already died.' (New Living Translation)

The prophet, Elijah, gives us an example of one-way people can handle discouragements, exhaustion, and even grief when facing trials. He prayed that God would remove him from his prophetic role in Israel and take him to his heavenly rest. Paul said the same thing in Philippians 1:23 when he had a desire to be taken to heaven to be with Christ. This reaction is the opposite of calling trials in our life joy. When Believers do not know how to deal with the “stress” of their situations, trials can become harmful to their spiritual, physical, and mental well-being.

Elijah ran away from God’s plan. He “ran into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree” (verse 3). “Elijah did not want to die; he was just despondent and in need of rest and sustenance.” (David Jeremiah Study Bible). He had just defeated the prophets of Baal, a drought ending rain had come, and now Jezebel wanted to kill him; the expectation that Israel (and even Jezebel) might be converted did not happen. For the moment he forgot all that God had done and ran in fear, found the juniper tree to sit under in defeat and self-pity. I wonder if anyone else besides me recognizes themselves in this story. I am thankful God does not answer all my prayers!

Jesus knew stress as well. In Luke 22:28 He said, “You are those who have stayed with me in my trials.” He knew trials would come but God’s Word never records Jesus pacing back and forth worrying about what was going to happen. No, instead, He got alone with His Father to seek His will, His guidance. Paul wrote in Philippians 4:6, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” That verse is the remedy for stress and anxiety in the Believer’s life.

God dealt with Elijah (in verses 5-21) with understanding and compassion. He allowed Elijah to sleep (v. 5-6). He gave him food to nourish his body (v. 5-7). God allowed Elijah to see His power and presence (v. 15-18). He gave Elijah more revelation and direction (v. 15-18). He gave him a faithful companion (Elisha) who faithfully followed him. God gave Elijah encouragement, strength, and grace to do what God needed him to accomplish for Him.  (Life in the Spirit Study Bible).

It is interesting to me that trials come when Believers are in the will of God, doing exactly what He wants us to be doing. Trying to explain or figure them out does not help; Believers just need to learn to deal with them. From experience I have learned that these battles are often dealt with in the mind. Take these times to the Lord in prayer; you do not have to deal with them alone. Recognize that as we walk the narrow way there will be trials and temptations. The way to handle them is to realize and know you are not walking alone!