Waiting for the Lord can be a very tiring journey. Being tired though, for many, it is a sin. Being tired is nothing more than the physical evidence of a struggle. Tiredness is not a sin and there are plenty of examples of tired servants of God in the Bible. Elijah, perhaps, is the most renowned. Let us examine this Scripture.
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 tree and fell asleep. (1 Kings 19:3-5)
First thing to be noted. Elijah was afraid: servants of God are humans and fear is part of human nature. Sometimes I have talked to brothers and sisters in Christ and tell about my fears. Many times I received rebukes that hurt my feelings and made me feel like a lower type of Christian. But the word of God sets us free; if mighty prophets like Elijah feared, anyone should not be ashamed of this.
Second: he wished his death. This is a very typical case of tiredness that led to depression. I have had those days too and, sadly, when I have opened my heart, I have received reprimands from my brothers and sisters in Christ. In some way, if you are depressed you become an unbeliever. Nothing farther from the truth. Here we see a servant of God, loved by God, used mightily by God in a deep depression.
What did God do?
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. (v.5-6)
God sent an angel to feed him. Did God sent an angel to rebuke the prophet? No. God was more interested in the prophet’s well being. God understood Elijah. Sadly, many Christians today feel they know more than God and act judgemental towards those who are tired and depressed. But thank God for His perfect love and mercy!
What is the next thing God did?
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.” So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God. There he went into a cave and spent the night. (v.7-9)
God sent His angel for a second time to strengthen the prophet and feed him. Once again, we do not see at any moment God rebuking or reproaching his tiredness. Renowned preacher Vance Havner commented:
ELIJAH WAS TIRED, and so are many of God's people. God did not reprove Elijah. He fed him, rested him, and said, "The journey is too great for thee."
God did not say: “Elijah, stop doing this! Why are you tired? Aren’t you my servant? Haven’t you seen my power? Don’t you have faith? Where is your faith now Elijah? Don’t you trust Me? Stop saying that nonsense you’re saying and get up and keep walking! I don’t want to hear you saying you are tired again!”
These are the words that I have heard over and over again. Many brothers and sisters in faith have shown disappointment the times in which, like Elijah, I have had my days of depression and tiredness. God was not disappointed with Elijah, God fed elijah, let him rest, sent His angel to strengthen the prophet. If God did not condemned the prophet, we can not do it with our Christian brothers and sisters who are discouraged, tired, and depressed.
When Moses got tired of having his arms up in the air no one dared to reprove him. Rather, he was helped:
When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. (Exodus 17:12)
Let us hold the hands of those who are tired because of the length and strength of the battle. Let us put aside condemnation and judgmental words. God did not do it; we do not have the right to do it.
