“Emotionally, we’ve sometimes worked a full day in one hour,” Zack Eswine writes in his book The Imperfect Pastor. Although he was referring to the burdens pastors often carry, I believe this is true for us as well. Difficult situations or heavy responsibilities often leave us mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually exhausted.

I found myself feeling this exhaustion last week. We had just come out of a "ministry filled weekend" which was amazing, but I was already feeling the physical strain. Then I went into a new week with my workload, taking care of our 3 children, getting ready for the new homeschool year, managing our home, and just the day to day running around, and I started feeling a bit overwhelmed! Some nights I was working until midnight because it was the only time I actually had the quiet time necessary to concentrate. There were a couple of times I told the Lord, "Please give me the strength and energy I need to complete the tasks before me!"

I was reminded of Elijah in 1 Kings 19:1-9. Elijah had killed the prophets of Baal, and now Jezebel is threatening to kill him. Afraid, Elijah runs for his life. He finally comes to a bush, sits under it and prays that he might die. He tells the Lord in verse 4, “I have had enough, Lord.” Then he lays down and falls asleep. The angel of the Lord comes to him twice and tells him to get up and eat. After feeling overwhelmed and exhausted, the Lord meets Elijah and gives him the strength he needs to continue.

Have you ever felt this exhaustion? Sometimes we, too, need to allow the Lord to be our strength in weakness and be encouraged by Him. With Elijah, the Lord sent an angel. For us it may come in the form of a conversation with a friend or loved one, a worship song we hear, or by simply coming to God in prayer and allowing Him to speak to us. Whatever the situation, let us remember that our strength comes from the Lord. Call out to Him because He will answer.

Suggested prayer: Dear God, thank you for being my strength when I have nothing left. You are faithful and never leave nor forsake us. Thank you because we can always trust that you will meet us where we are. You are a good Father who cares for us. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

1.      2 Corinthians 12:9 (NKJV).

Today's Encounter was written by: Crystal B.