I am someone who likes to do things on my own. I don’t like feeling weak or needing help, which might seem like a noble trait. But the reality is, that’s a difficult way to live. As humans, we weren’t designed to handle everything by ourselves. So when life feels unbearable or overwhelming, it’s often because it is—by design. We are not meant to carry the weight of the world alone.
In 1 Kings 19:3-7, we read about Elijah fleeing from Jezebel:
“Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, 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.” Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep.
All at once an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.” 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.
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.”
In this story, Elijah tries to save himself. He ran away until he was ready to die. It seems a little dramatic, but if I’m honest, I can relate to those moments when it feels like the weight of everything is too much to bear. I love what God does for Elijah. First, He sends an angel to give him food. (Everyone take note—some things start to look a little better when we just eat some carbs.) Second, He justifies what Elijah is feeling. In Elijah's darkest moment, God responds with grace and provision. It was too much for just Elijah, but when Elijah called out to God, He was there. God acknowledged Elijah's limits and met him in his need.
In 1 Kings 19:3-7, we read about Elijah fleeing from Jezebel:
“Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, 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.” Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep.
All at once an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.” 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.
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.”
In this story, Elijah tries to save himself. He ran away until he was ready to die. It seems a little dramatic, but if I’m honest, I can relate to those moments when it feels like the weight of everything is too much to bear. I love what God does for Elijah. First, He sends an angel to give him food. (Everyone take note—some things start to look a little better when we just eat some carbs.) Second, He justifies what Elijah is feeling. In Elijah's darkest moment, God responds with grace and provision. It was too much for just Elijah, but when Elijah called out to God, He was there. God acknowledged Elijah's limits and met him in his need.
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He wants that for us, too. We shouldn’t wait until we are ready to lay under a bush and die to talk to God. As Pastor Josh said in week one of the series, “Our Father delights in hearing from His children. Prayer isn’t just about asking for things; it’s about building a relationship with God, our Father.”
So, let’s stop trying to carry everything on our own. The truth is, we weren’t designed to do so. We need to lean into God, especially when life feels overwhelming. It’s okay to admit that we can’t handle it all—God already knows our struggles, and like with Elijah, He will meet us where we are. The key is to recognize that we were made to depend on Him, and He is always there to restore us, even in our most desperate moments. Make prayer a habit, not just in times of crisis, but as a continual conversation that deepens our relationship with our loving Father.
So, let’s stop trying to carry everything on our own. The truth is, we weren’t designed to do so. We need to lean into God, especially when life feels overwhelming. It’s okay to admit that we can’t handle it all—God already knows our struggles, and like with Elijah, He will meet us where we are. The key is to recognize that we were made to depend on Him, and He is always there to restore us, even in our most desperate moments. Make prayer a habit, not just in times of crisis, but as a continual conversation that deepens our relationship with our loving Father.
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