Allow me to introduce Elijah – an Old Testament prophet who proved that the need for a snack and a nap didn’t just apply to ornery toddlers at the end of their rope.

Elijah’s story, as it unfolds in I Kings, has more drama, twists, turns, and edge-of-your-seat moments than a modern-day reality TV show.  He made a bold stand for God against King Ahab of that day, a king who had done “more to anger the Lord God of Israel” than any other king before him. (I Kings 16:33)

King Ahab had ushered in idolatry on an unprecedented level, leading many people astray.  God used Elijah to publicly demonstrate that He alone was the one true God.

Following a fantastic showdown against 850 false prophets in the public square, Elijah fled town.  Jezebel, King Ahab’s malicious wife, hadn’t taken kindly to Elijah’s victory and, as a result, had threatened his life.  (Trust me, I Kings 18 is so worth the read!)

This godly prophet, who had just been used in a grand display of divine power, was on the run – afraid, discouraged, and just wanting to die…and, a snack and a nap changed everything.

“I have had enough! Lord, take my life”…[Elijah said] and he lay down and slept under (a) broom tree.

“Suddenly, an angel touched him…and told him, “Get up and eat.” (I Kings 19: 4 & 5)

I’m sure that the victory Elijah had just experienced had been fraught with high levels of emotion, super-charged adrenaline, and laser-sharp mental focus – not to mention the spiritual struggle in the throes of it all.  It was a mountain-top experience and the “come down” effect left him vulnerable, weak, and open to the enemies exploits.

Elijah, like us, was just a human.  Physically, mentally, and emotionally he could only do so much before he needed to rest, refill, and refresh.  Lack of sleep and sustenance was skewing his perspective and making his current circumstance feel overwhelming and insurmountable. 

Can you relate?  How many times do we push through on an adrenaline high as we’re doing good things with God, only to feel like we turn around and run into a brick wall?  How often do we judge ourselves when discouragement comes knocking on the heels of a spiritual victory in our lives?

Let’s learn from our old friend Elijah – sometimes all we need is to slow down and recoup to put things back into a correct perspective.  We weren’t made to live on mountain-top experiences every day.  Even adults need a snack and a nap sometimes.

Until next time, Grace and Glory!