When I experienced ministry burnout several years ago, it felt as if the Lord had handed me a termination notice, “Okay, you’re done here. There’s nothing left for you to do!” Only later did I learn that I was projecting my own exhausted (not to mention, very limited) thoughts onto God, rather than His actual words to me.
During seasons of overwhelm and exhaustion, we might find ourselves like Elijah in 1 Kings 19. Elijah saw that even after God’s dramatic victory on Carmel, His people and their leaders remained hardened against the Lord. Fearing for his life and thinking that he had failed, he ran away. Amid his confusion and frustration, God asked him:
“What are you doing here?” (1 King 19:9)
Through a series of gentle questions and firm encouragement (including food and rest!), God restored Elijah.
God invites Elijah to pour out both his grief and his zeal for God’s honour. He wants us to honestly share our deepest pain, no matter how confused or raw our words might sound. Elijah lodges the exact same complaint twice (1 Kings 19:10, 14), but that doesn’t stop God from doing His gracious care and heart-work.
God often works not through dramatic spectacle, but through His quiet yet powerful word. He speaks through songs, sermons, wise mentors, compassionate counsellors, and loving family members to help us gain clarity and redirection.
He is the God who meets us where we are, not to leave us there, but to lead us where He wants us to be.
This devotion is sent weekly to staff during school terms. It has been lightly edited for a general audience.
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