I Kings 19:4 “It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.”

Elijah had a lot on his plate. While it is true that God was using him in a great way, to bring about a great victory, it came with much work, stress, mental and emotional strain, and fatigue. And the reward for his efforts? Now he is being hunted.

There is a bounty on his head and he may not live to see another day. We may feel that Elijah’s response, at least in part, was somewhat extreme. But how often can we relate to the feeling and expression “It is enough!”? 

When the trials seem only to build in intensity, and problems keep coming one right after the other; when the strain on our body, hearts, mind, and spirit are so great we feel we can take no more.

A common misconception is the belief that God will not allow us to face more than what we can handle. 

This idea is found nowhere in Scripture. In fact, the opposite is closer to the truth. Without facing great hardship, we can never grow in our faith and trust in God. We would never see God working to do what we feel is impossible. When we face these difficult times, let us keep a few things in mind that will help us: 

First of all, God knows. He sees your circumstances. He understands your struggle and emotion. He cares for you. He is not caught by surprise and is already working on your next chapter. 

Secondly, God has provision for you. God helped to strengthen Elijah by food, rest, and grace in his life. God did not rebuke him but loved and cared for him.

Thirdly, not only do we see God’s provision but also his power demonstrated in these times.

And finally, though you may be done, God is not done with you. As long as you are breathing, there is still something to do. Rest, receive God’s provision and power, and restart on the path God has foryou.

Elijah was done, but he kept going and God kept blessing.