We’ve kicked our family prayer life up a notch this church year. Since Advent, we’ve been engaging more with the Book of Common Prayer.

Tonight January 2’s Old Testament Reading from the Book of Common Prayer is from 1 Kings 19:1-8. Elijah just confronted evil king Ahab,had a dramatic and daring day-long confrontation with hundreds of false prophets of idols, and saw God send fire from heaven for the win. Then God answered his repeated prayers and send rain to end the drought.

But that was last chapter.

Now, instead of a revival; instead of commendation, he gets guarantees of death from wicked Queen Jezebel. He’s exhausted and discouraged. He isolates himself, even leaving his only companion behind and walks a day into the wilderness to pray:

“It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers.” (1 Kings 19:4b)

God gives him rest – he sleeps.

God sends an angel to give him food (warm toasty food at that).

God give him more rest and he sleeps again.

God again sends an angel with supernatural provision to nourish him and give him the message: “Arise and eat, for the journey is too great for you.”

And then God sends him on a 40 day journey.

We’ve been through a lot as parents. In 2015 we saw some victories and some really positive changes.

But that was last year.

Now we’re in the hardest season of the year for our son and instead of moving to greener pastures, we’re faced with what seems like certain defeat.

I am exhausted and discouraged and am wondering how much longer we can keep going and I join with Elijah in crying out:

It Is Enough!

I need God’s rest. I need to trust him to give it. I need God’s supernatural provision or I’m not going to make it. The journey is too great for me.

God didn’t abandon Elijah, and he won’t abandon us. He provided for Elijah and I’m going to trust that will provide for us.

Trust, take some naps, and have some snacks. It’s in the Bible. Just ask Elijah.