The New York City Transit Company was missing a bus and a driver some years ago. For over a week, authorities searched for the man but couldn’t find him. Finally, ten days later after the man had disappeared, he was found, bus included. In Miami, Florida!The driver said, "I’d had it with the cold weather, the passengers, and my family! One day after I got off work, I thought, ‘I wonder what would happen if I just kept driving?’"
So, that’s what he did. He took off for Florida where he enjoyed the sun and surf for over a week, all by himself!
Have you ever felt like that? Like you just need a vacation from life?
If you are like the rest of us there are times when you get so frustrated with life that you either want to pull your hair out or run away! Have you ever said, "I don’t know how much more of this I can take."
Sometimes when we say things like that about our job, or our marriage, or our children, or perhaps even concerning something at church. We may feel that way during times of trouble or sickness or financial difficulties. I think sometimes we get the wrong impression that the people of the Bible were superhuman in some way. Yet, a closer look at the word of God will reveal to you that they were very human...and that they endured much of the same things in life as we do.
I remember the prophet Elijah. He was just coming off of a great spiritual victory at Mt. Carmel when Queen Jezebel threatens him. Elijah was afraid, so he ran for his life. He went a day’s journey into the desert, came to a broom tree, sat under it, and prayed that he might die (1 Kings 19).
Elijah was exhausted and spiritually drained. But God did not give up on him. The Lord gave Elijah food, drink, and rest. God strengthened Elijah.
The Lord still strengthens His weary people. Jesus said, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matt. 11:28). Hebrews 4:9 says, “There remains therefore a rest for the people of God.”
Aren’t you glad that the Lord understands our weakness and provides rest?
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I am glad that God understands and provides rest. The story about the bus driver was a great way to start this post enjoyed reading the whole thing!
ReplyDeleteI can't count the number I have said, "I have had enough" over so many things in my life. My marriage, my kids, my ministry, my hobbies, a dirty house, etc... Many times in these situations I have brought this despair upon myself by not be taking time to get enough rest or I have neglected my relationship with God and it manifests itself through frustration towards others. I am thankful for God's grace and his willingness to restore me physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
ReplyDeleteBecky, Rest has always been a part of God's plan for people. He even set the example with the sabbath after creating for six days. And in the end heaven is pictured as a rest. God is so good. --Richard
ReplyDeleteLarry, I know what you mean. When I am not right with God, nothing else seems to be right either. And God understands every part of us: physical, emotional, spiritual. I notice that God ministered to Elijah in each of those areas when he was going through his "quitting" spell.
ReplyDelete--Richard