Elijah was afraid, so he got up and fled for his life to Beer Sheba in Judah. He left his servant there, 4 while he went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He went and sat down under a shrub and asked the Lord to take his life: “I’ve had enough! Now, O Lord, take my life. After all, I’m no better than my ancestors.”5 He stretched out and fell asleep under the shrub. Suddenly an angelic messenger touched him and said, “Get up and eat.” 6 He looked and right there by his head was a cake baking on hot coals and a jug of water. He ate and drank and then slept some more. 1 Kings 19:3-6 NET
God our Provider,
I’ve had enough. Sometimes it is a relief just to say it like it is! No brave face but how we feel and to be honest You know how we feel anyway! And it reminds us to get out of the way and let You in to help. I love this incident because Elijah didn’t drag his servant disciple down with him. He left him in a safe place. He did not do anything rash. He got alone with You and said exactly how he felt.
And it is such a relief to hand things over to You. You didn’t send punishment. You didn’t drive him into the wilderness to feel bad about himself or send shame and distress. No, You sent provision. Sleep and then warm freshly baked cake and refreshing water. Then You sent more sleep and more refreshment. A double blessing. How often sleep is the beginning of healing.
Thank You that You know what we need and when we need it. You are for us and not against us (Romans 8:31). You know what it is like for us, because You have stood in our shoes and been tempted to give up (Luke 22:42). You can empathise and You know what we need (Hebrews 4:15).
Thank You that You are our provider, not our judge, and send what we need to comfort, strengthen and grant us restorative rest.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
God our Provider,
For our close family.
For our extended family, friends, neighbours, those we promised to pray for.
For our fellowship, ministers and congregations.
For work colleagues and places we help out.
For our king and all those in authority (1 Timothy 2:2).
For our Parliament. Lords and commons. Civil Servants.
For Ukraine and Russia. Oh Lord, the miracle of peace. Divine protection of life.
For Israel, Lebanon, all around the Middle East. We plead for peace and not escalation.
For those who have reached the end of their tether, who need provision and miraculous help.
For those who cannot sleep, the blessing of Your rest leading into restorative sleep.
For the church to be open to those who need emotional and practical help as well as to meet You.
For those worried about winter coming. For food banks, drop in centres and good neighbours.
For us to know peace of mind, be able to be honest with You and just wait upon You for provision.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Friday 4th October 2024
If you are not in a hymn mood . . . read the words.
He giveth more grace as our burdens grow greater,
He sendeth more strength as our labors increase;
To added afflictions He addeth His mercy,
To multiplied trials He multiplies peace.
His love has no limits, His grace has no measure,
His power no boundary known unto men;
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus
He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.
When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources
Our Father’s full giving is only begun.
His love has no limits, His grace has no measure,
His power no boundary known unto men;
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus
He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.
Lyrics: Annie Johnson Flint