Today is October 5

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Kings, chapter 19.

3 Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, 4 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.” 5 Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep.

All at once an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.” 6 He looked around, and there by his head was some bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again.

7 The angel of the LORD came back a second time and touched him and said, “Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.” 8 So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God. 9 There he went into a cave and spent the night.

This is one of those passages that seems so strange to us! They remind us that the God we worship is far bigger than we are, and that His ways are beyond us. In this passage God seems to provide, through an angel, miraculous nourishment for Elijah, who was on the run for his life. What do stories like this bring up for you? Do they increase your faith? Do you struggle to understand? Bring whatever it is you feel to the Lord.

This is a story, in its simplest form, about the power and provision of God. God’s power is beyond our comprehension. And God’s capacity for provision is beyond our comprehension. As you listen to the scripture again, bring an area of your life to him where you need to see his power or provision.

Elijah’s words: “I have had enough, Lord” feel so real! Sometimes, we feel just like that. We feel worn, or afraid, or alone. And in that place, God can visit us with his power and provision, just as he did Elijah, when the journey feels like its too much. As we end in prayer, talk to God about times you feel ‘I have had enough, Lord!”

Music Credit:
"You're Carrying Me" - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)