[Elijah] came to a broom tree, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. (1 Kings 19:4)
Expanded Passage: 1 Kings 19:4
“Okay, kids. That’s enough. I’ve had it.” When my mother said those words, my sister and I knew we had reached the end of any grace period beyond bedtime. We knew we better get to sleep—or at least do a good job of pretending!
“I’ve had it; I’m going home.” More than once, I have said those words at the end of a long workday, usually after my shoulders ached due to many hours at my computer.
My guess is that you have said “I’ve had it!” too, at one time or another. We all know how Elijah felt that day he sat down next to the broom tree.
Likely, we haven’t seen God send fire that literally consumed stones, nor have we run for our lives until we were so weary we could not move another step. But we have all been pushed until we think we have reached the end of our endurance.
One of the beautiful things about the story of Elijah is the reminder that God sees our weakness. He knows our need. He knew Elijah needed nourishing meals and a good night’s rest. Then he was ready to hear God’s instructions about the next stage of his mission.
“I’ve had it”—when we feel that way, God can help us not to mistake fatigue for a spiritual shortcoming and for that I am grateful.
Come to Jesus with your weariness, and he will give you rest.
Gloria J. Bell retired from Southern Wesleyan University as academic vice president and dean after many years of service.
© 2024 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
