This morning in our series exploring the questions God asks us, we looked at the question God asked Elijah twice (‘What are you doing here, Elijah?’ 1 Kings 19:9, 13). This chapter sees Elijah at possibly his lowest ebb, despite the great spiritual victories he has won (commanding the rain to stay away for three years, living under God’s direct provision and defeating the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel. 1 Kings 17-18) Exhausted and afraid, running away from Jezebel’s promise to kill him, Elijah reaches the point where he asks God to let him die. (1 Kings 19:14) He has had enough and can go no further.
Physical exhaustion can be responsible for much of our mental and spiritual breakdown; God provides for Elijah by giving him rest, food and drink. (1 Kings 19:5, 7) We do well not to ignore the basics of sleep and good nutrition. The psalmist advises us to be still and know that God is God (Ps 46:1), but as Pascal said many years ago, ‘all of humanity’s problems stem from man’s inability to sit quietly in a room alone.’ If we spend time with God, trusting in His provision, we are less likely to burn out.
God’s question to Elijah opens conversation. Questions are the way into dialogue. They are the way into communication. And communication is what makes relationships work. Elijah lists his complaints before God, but the only answer God gives is the promise of His presence. When Moses complained that the task was too great for him and he dare not go to Pharaoh, God’s only answer was ‘I will be with you.’ (Ex 3:12) When he went on to ask how the Israelites would believe him when he said God had sent him, God’s reply was to say, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’ (Ex 3:14) God does not offer us dazzling solutions, party tricks to impress us or our enemies. He simply offers us His presence; our greatest lesson is to learn that God is enough.
We often comment on the fact that God was not to be found in the wind, earthquake or fire, but in the gentle whisper. The truth is that when God speaks to us we are changed. We have the opportunity to move from despair to hope, from depression to joy, from misery to service. Like Naaman, we often rebel at the mundane nature of God’s help (see 2 Kings 5:11-12), but if we receive His word, our perspective can be changed and our lives filled with new purpose.
