What God Gives You When You're At Rock Bottom

I get contacted every week from teachers and pastors who worn out, discouraged, crushed, exhausted, weary, full of doubts and fearful. Maybe you're not quite there, but you feel overwhelmed, unsure, anxious.

Let's look at what God gives you when you're at rock bottom and you feel there's nothing left. Open your Bible to 1 Kings 19, this wonderful story preserved for us about Elijah fleeing into the wilderness when Jezebel threatens his life. Read the whole chapter, but let me call your attention to a few verses.

Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, LORD,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep. (1 Kings 19:3-5)

Have you ever prayed that way? "Lord, I've had enough!"

God does not respond to Elijah not by saying, "Oh, poor baby! You're right, I gave you too much to do and you should be whining and complaining. Why don't you just retire now and do nothing. I'll be nicer to you in the future."

Instead God gives Elijah (1) more of Himself and His glory, and (2) new assignments!

The LORD said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by.” (1 Kings 19:11)

The LORD said to him, “Go back the way you came, and go to the Desert of Damascus. When you get there, anoint Hazael king over Aram. Also, anoint Jehu son of Nimshi king over Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel Meholah to succeed you as prophet. (1 Kings 19:15-16)

So if you feel you're close to rock bottom, desperate, then look for God to give you more of Himself and new assignments. Don't blame God, and don't ever give up hope in Christ.