Enough Isn't Enough

God asked Elijah, "What are you doing here?" God's bold, courageous prophet had just defeated hundreds of Baal's prophets, showing Jehovah God was mightier than their lifeless god. But the evil Queen Jezebel's heart was unmoved. She sent a messenger to God's prophet that he would be dead like her prophets the next day, and he fled for his life into the wilderness. The exhausted Elijah sat under a tree and prayed, asking God to take his life, saying he had had enough, failing to bring Israel to repentance. He rested under the tree after an angel brought him food and water. Elijah reached Mount Horeb, and there, God spoke to him, asking, "What doest thou here, Elijah" (1 Kin 19: 9)? What was he doing there? Feeling sorry for himself, that's what. Elijah answered God, reminding Him how fervently he had served, that he alone remained of His prophets, and his life was in danger. God patiently listened but told Elijah He still had seven thousand faithful prophets who had not bowed to idols.

What are you doing where you are? Why are you there? We must be careful what we ask of God, especially when weary, afraid, frustrated, or experiencing what we think is a failed life task. God didn't end Elijah's life as he asked but sent him to anoint two kings and anoint and train Elisha, his successor as God's prophet. God wasn't finished with Elijah, and weary child of God, He isn't through with you either. Like God's prophet, you still have work to accomplish for His glory. Like Elijah, obey God's Word—get up and carry out His instructions.