MORNING MANNA           5/21/20

Sometimes you see things that are so shocking that all you can think to say is “Really?” You find it difficult to believe that it actually happened. That’s the way I feel when I read  1 Kings 19:4. It’s hard to believe that a man like that would do something like this. But there you have it— straight from God’s own word. It really happened. Elijah was so discouraged that he desired death — or so he said.

Keep in mind that this was right after the incident on Mt. Carmel. Put all the pieces together and you see why he was distraught. There was the friction with his foes, feelings of fear, futility, and fatigue. The wicked queen Jezebel issued an order to have Elijah executed, and he is running for his life. Finally out of exhaustion he collapsed under a juniper tree and prayed to die. What a sad sight!

This is another case of how we ought to thank God for unanswered prayers. Although he felt it was all over, God wasn’t through with him yet. God had other plans for him and he lived to do great things. And think about this — rather than dying he missed death altogether when God snatched him from the earth! God always gives the best to those who leave the choice up to Him! We should be so wise.

While millions pray each day to live, there are many troubled souls praying to die. At this very moment some of you might be so tired of the struggle that you prefer death over life. While it is indeed true that, for the believer, to die is gain it is not for you to decide when death should come. That’s God’s business. Until the appointed time we ought to be found at our post doing our duty and trusting God’s grace to get us through the difficulties. If you are still alive there is something worth living for- something more important than your relief. We have no right to resent and reject what God has planned for us. To desire anything different than His will is to wish for the worst. Don’t do it. — HDS

David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346