- Lane of Roses
Enough is Enough
Written by: Blair Lane
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Elijah was afraid and fled for his life. . . Then he went on alone into the wilderness, traveling all day. He sat down under a solitary broom tree and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors who have already died.”
- 1 Kings 19:3-4
God knows what’s best for us. Even when we are overwhelmed by the stresses and trials of our everyday lives, God knows what we truly need. We can run to Him with our fears and ask for what we want or think we need. But God will give us what He knows we truly need.
In 1 Kings 19, Elijah was certainly overwhelmed. He had killed all of the prophets of Baal, and Queen Jezebel threatened to have him killed. The Bible says, “Elijah was afraid and fled for his life” (v. 3).
He had just witnessed the great power of God on Mount Carmel when He sent down fire from Heaven, but Elijah was still afraid of what Ahab and Jezebel would do to him. So he ran far into the wilderness, alone.
“‘I have had enough, LORD,’ he said” (v. 4).
Elijah was exhausted, overwhelmed, and afraid, and he’d had enough. Despite his fear and stress, the first thing Elijah did was cry out to God. He ran away from danger, but he ran to God. He knew God would listen in the midst of his troubles, and he still believed in the power of God. However, his plea continued, asking God to end his life because he didn’t think he was good enough.
But God knew better. He knew what was best for Elijah.
God didn’t let Elijah die out there in the wilderness. He wasn’t finished with him yet. Instead, God let him rest. He gave Elijah a safe place to sleep, and an angel of the LORD provided food and water to give Elijah his strength back.
After this, Elijah was ready and willing to follow the next directions God had for him—and for the rest of his life.
What do we do when we’ve had “enough?” Enough of the stress or the fear or the uncertainty? Where do we go when we’re tired? Tired of the temptations or the responsibilities or the expectations?
Elijah ran to God.
Where do we run?
God already knows what we’re going through, and He is the only one who can truly give us peace and rest amidst the craziness.
As in Elijah’s case, God may not provide that rest in the ways that we expect or ask. We have to trust that God—in His infinite goodness and wisdom—really does know best and will provide the rest, support, and strength that we need.
When we have had enough, God will prove that He is more than enough.
Reflection
1. When was the last time you ran to God when you were tired? How did He give you rest?
2. What have you had enough of lately? How can you take that to God?
Prayer
Dear God,
Thank You for having the wisdom to give me not what I want, but what I need. Thank You for being enough. I am tired, but I know that You can give me rest. Help me remember to run to You in times of trouble. Amen.
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