1 Kings 19:1-21

Recurrent Thought

• Exhaustion is a reality we experience after spending our physical energy. However, extreme exhaustion is a challenge that leads to other dangerous consequences

Elijah was an intense visionary with an assignment of turning the nation of Israel from idolatry to the worship of Yahweh. However, one day, after a seemingly great achievement he declared that “I am no better than my fathers” and he wished he had died. He said this when he was in the dumps of depression, discouragement and on the run from his assignment. He was an exhausted prophet, and one who ran away from a person he once rebuked.

In about four years, Prophet Elijah confronted the nation of Israel out of its marriage to Baal Idol worship and led to a spiritual revival. His name, Elijah means "Yahweh is my God" or "My God is Yahweh." It originates from the Hebrew name Eliyahu, which combines "El" (God) and "Yahweh" (the Hebrew name for God). The Lord raised him up during the divided Kingdom. It was the time of King Abab, who beguiled by his wife Jezebel from Phoenicia, led the nation into this Baal worship. In Chapter 17, Elijah appears at the royal palace with the scathing prophetic judgment of a three-year’s draught. After three years, he led to the destruction of Baal worship, its priesthood and called the nation to repentance. But immediately, in Chapter 19 we see an exhausted Elijah, who wished death for himself.

Part of the challenge in pursuing dreams in life is the exhaustion that comes with it. Primarily exhaustion is a physical experience that triggers a state of extreme tiredness and loss of energy which leads to prolonged physical or mental exertion. Extreme Exhaustion, if not properly mitigated may lead to loss of energy, lack of motivation, loss of concentration on activities that affect one’s life. Intense dreamers tend to practice extreme habits that eventually lead to all forms of exhaustion such as working long hours, without proper sleeping, coupled with poor lifestyle variables such as poor tied, lack of exercise etc.

Protracted exhaustion does not only affect the physical body; it affects other essential centers of human life. Physical exhaustion makes you so frustrated that you have no evidence of your efforts. The unfortunate thing is that intense visionaries tend to neglect their bodies while chasing dreams. Emotionally, one may feel lonely and drained out the point that you start doubting your dreams and your relevance, mental and spiritual wellbeing. Exhaustion does also affect one’s spirituality. You can come to the place where you are the one pouring into others while you remain dry and empty; Your prayer life is at its lowest ebb and God’s presence looks so distant. One way to notice its effect on your mental capacity is when you are having difficult to make decision despite many choices before you.

Protracted exhaustion may lead to Burnt Out, a state of excessive stress that leads to many unfavorable results such as loss of passion or clarity, depression, isolation and one is tempted to quit or compromise.

Here are three Issues about Exhaustion from the text

1. Exhaustion Exposes You to various forms of Attacks (1 Kings 19:1-3)
   • Exhaustion exposed Elijah and became intimidated by satanic agent
   • As an anointed prophet, he was a firebrand; but when he was exhausted, he was afraid.
   • In the times of exhaustion, mental concentrations is gravely reduced and people for in all forms of temptations
   • A lot of Preachers, Christian musicians have confessed failing into sexual immorality, drinking or drugs after powerful ministration
   • Many people fall into all manner of spiritual attack after accomplishment of some sort
   • Exhaustion may lead to temptations that distract you from your original pursuits
2. Rest is the Remedy for Exhaustion (1 Kings 19:5–6)
   • The nature of dreamers is that they are driven by achievements and tend to forget about themselves
   • The Spiritual confrontation Elijah had in Ch.18 made him extremely exhausted.
   • A merciful father knew that his need was rest. Twice he allowed him sleep and eat
   • Sometimes the most spiritual thing to do is to have a nap.
   • Remember the Sabbath Principle: Worship & Rest.  Rest is not weakness, it is worship.
   • Caregivers tend to forget about themselves. Plan to rest, if you can.
   • Sometimes the best gift you may give intense dreamers is time to rest.
   • One major way to handle exhaustion is setting time to rest, especially in solitude. Or go do different activities different from what is involved in your dream or profession
   • (Mark 6:31) records: “Then Jesus said, ‘Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.’ He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn’t even have time to eat.” (NLT)
   • Good Rest begins in finding rest from all forms of Sins. “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28
   • Exhaustion depletes you not only of your energy, but also reduces your capacity to make decisions or to think properly.
   • Resting and waiting upon the Lord is an essential activity for holistic renewal (Isa. 40:29-31)
3. Learn and Accept New Forms of Wisdom (1 Kings 19:19-21)
   • Exhaustion is brutal on the dreamer for it comes with low outcomes.
   • Dreamers may be brought to a place of despair for they think they are not relevant
   • One way of healing is to have renewed Perception which comes by reaffirmation
   • For Elijah, God affirmed his work by speaking to him in gentle whisper — not in performance, noise, or pressure.
   • For us believers, we may need to seek the presence of God more.
   • Be assured that in his presence, God reaffirms your purpose that you are still needed.
   • God reminded Elijah that he was not alone and still had a purpose to fulfill.
   • For those who have been deeply affected by exhaustion, it is essential to accept to learn and re-learn new ways of doing things
   • God informed Elijah that he was providing him with additional hands to impact the Nation
   • For Elijah the new form of Wisdom was that Vision is not meant to be carried alone. God gave Elijah a team (Elisha, Jehu, Hazael).

Conclusion

Learn and invest in the activities that regulate the worship of Yahweh and the Rest of your Whole being