Points from the Pastor's Pen

“OVERWHELMED”

“Elijah prayed that he might die”

“I have had enough Lord take my life”

“I’m the only one left and now they are trying to take my life”

        Have you ever felt like giving up and ending your life? The prophet Elijah did. He felt like he had come to the end of his rope and there was no point in going on. Jezebel was going to find him and kill him. Elijah was overwhelmed with fear and ran away.

        Perhaps you are overcome with fear, worry, or stress and have said or thought some similar things to Elijah. Thankfully Elijah’s story gives us some insights to help us keep going on and not to give up.

Insight 1- In the midst of Elijah praying to die, an angel comes, feeds him and he rests.
                 God knows you and your circumstances and He sends His angels to help us.

Insight 2- The angel reminds Elijah the pressure is more than he can handle.
                 When we admit our complete and total need for God to help us, fresh hope in God starts to grow                      in us.

Insight 3- Elijah now has enough energy to go back to Mt. Horeb (The mountain of God).
                  Feeling overwhelmed and wanting to give up should always remind us how desperately we need                    God, like Elijah.

Insight 4- How God speaks is gentle, affirming, and direct.
                  Elijah is affirmed and given new purpose when God speaks.

Please never forget these simple truths when you begin to think and pray “O God take my life”.

# Even when you are so overwhelmed, you cannot see or hear God, His promise is that both He and His angels are present to help strengthen and provide. You are never alone!

# In your most difficult moments, the most important thing you can do is seek God and speak truth about your circumstance.

# It is always wise to seek out a safe wise person to receive counsel from.

# A free confidential suicide prevention hotline is available at 1-800-273-8255.

Your Pastor and Friend,

Joel