Daily Scripture:

Elijah went a day’s journey into the wilderness...and asked that he might die: ‘It is enough now, O Lord, take away my life, for I am no better than my ancestors’. (1 King’s 19.4)        (It’s worth reading the whole story in 1 Kings 19)

Daily Reflection:

Elijah, one of the greatest and most powerful of all the prophets, is suffering a complete breakdown. Following a major triumph, he is totally exhausted physically, emotionally and spiritually. He has had enough; he just wants to die.

How does God respond? He tells Elijah to lie down and get some sleep, then provides food for him to eat before letting him sleep again. And when Elijah is properly restored God gives him a job to do, and the promise of a future worth living for.

God knows our needs, our limitations. He knows what it is to be human. He does not call us to be superhuman.

Sometimes, like Elijah, we need to take time out for rest and re-creation, physical and emotional, the better to continue the work God still has in store for us.

Revd Rosemary