GOD'S BURNOUT CURE

Reference: I Kings 19

Observation: In this chapter the man of God is simply burned out. He did God's work, went against the prophets of Baal, defeated them and then discovers that the most powerful woman in the country is determined to have his head. You can probably read his mind: "I do what God asks me to do and look where it gets me. I want out of this crazy outfit!!"

So, he sits down and prays to die. We have all been there before. So empty of strength and tired of the battle that we just want to go home and have it over with.

Now look at the cure:

1. God provided for his physical needs: rest and food. Vs. 5-6 Then he lay down and slept under the broom tree. But as he was sleeping, an angel touched him and told him, “Get up and eat!" 6 He looked around and there beside his head was some bread baked on hot stones and a jar of water! So he ate and drank and lay down again.

How often do we look at the situations in our life and feel overwhelmed and ready to give up and all we need is some rest and some food. Deal with simply things first!! Our emotions go wacky when our bodies are not being cared for.

2. God makes him rethink what he is on earth for. God asks him several times; "What are you doing here, Elijah?"

When we are burning out, go back to the roots. What are we supposed to be doing here? Too often we burn out because we are doing the wrong things or we are doing the right things but we forgot why. Go back to basics and remember why we are serving and loving God and people.

3. God shows Elijah who God is. Vs. 11-12 “Go out and stand before me on the mountain,” the Lord told him. And as Elijah stood there, the Lord passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain. It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. 12 And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper. 

In the difficult times we need a revelation of God. Get close to Him. Simply commune with Him. Don't ask for a thing. Don't go to war. Just sit and hear the still, small voice of God. Nothing is more restoring.

4. God gave him something to do--He sent him to talk to the kings. Vs. 15-16 Then the Lord told him, “Go back the same way you came, and travel to the wilderness of Damascus. When you arrive there, anoint Hazael to be king of Aram.16 Then anoint Jehu son of Nimshi to be king of Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from the town of Abel-meholah to replace you as my prophet.

The best way out of weariness is, after resting, to discover a new vision, a new mission, a new reason to go on living and serving. No one can survive for long without a reason for living.

5. God showed him that he was not alone. Vs. 18 I will preserve 7,000 others in Israel who have never bowed down to Baal or kissed him!”

Elijah was feeling, in his discouraged state, that he was all alone. God knew that part of his restoration was to see that there were thousands of others on his side. God has given us each other. When we feel burnt to a crisp, remember and seek out those who are on your side. God put them there for such a time as this.

Application/Confession: I feel like quitting sometimes. I need to remember to go back to that simple question (and hear God ask it) "What are you doing here, Randy". I realize that most of my desire to quit is because I do my own thing or measure things by my own standards. If I answer the question with; "I am serving You, Lord" then much of the desire to quit leaves my heart. It is so much easier than battling for "success" the way my fleshly heart measures it.

PRAYER: Let me hear You asking me: "What are you doing here?" and may I always answer: "serving You, Lord"