ODJ: strength to spare
October 5, 2010
The Lord gave special strength to Elijah (18:46).
READ: 1 Kings 18:41-19:8
British-born John Evans is a professional head- balancer. He has kept people, books, and other objects teetering on his dome for record-setting times. One of his greatest feats was balancing a MINI Cooper on his head for 33 seconds. Imagine the strain of holding up hundreds of pounds of automobile on your cranium!
Sometimes Christian ministry is a balancing act that requires super-human strength. The emotional, physical, and mental demands can be intense. A vacation may help, but it’s not always possible to take a break. Fortunately, God can provide special strength for us— just as He did for Elijah.
After his showdown with Baal, Elijah executed 450 false prophets. Then he climbed Mount Carmel and prayed for the end of a 3-year drought. That’s when “the Lord gave special strength to Elijah” (1 Kings 18:46), enabling him to run all the way to Jezreel, about 25 miles away.
Meanwhile, Queen Jezebel had issued an APB for him, so he trekked 100 more miles to Beersheba, before wandering into the Negev desert. Finally, he sat down and prayed, “I have had enough, Lord, . . . take my life” (19:4).
Thankfully, God knows our limits, and He can supply strength in any way He chooses. He might keep us going with a word of encouragement, ministry help, or an insight from the Holy Spirit. In Elijah’s case, He sent an angel to provide him with bread and water—twice.
While you and I may never slay scores of prophets, it’s encouraging to note, “Elijah was as human as we are” (James 5:17). Since God provided strength for Elijah’s ministry demands, He can also sustain us as we help others—with strength to spare. —Jennifer Benson Schuldt
Why is it important to focus on God’s capabilities when we’re stressed out? How do you typically react when faced with overwhelming personal or ministry demands?
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“Since God provided strength for Elijah’s ministry demands, He can also sustain us as we help others—with strength to spare.”
This is very encouraging.