At the Breaking Point

Do you ever feel so overwhelmed by life’s responsibilities and burdens that you sense you are near the breaking point? Are you so incredibly stressed by the expectations of others and yourself (realistic or not) that one more frustration might seemingly push you over the edge of despair? Are you near the place of quitting upon God’s call on your life so that you might just find a few moments of ease? The following story of a little boy and his dog might just ring true with the stress you feel you are under.

A little boy went to the grocery store and asked the clerk for a box of detergent. The clerk asked the boy why he needed detergent.

“I want to wash my dog,” replied the lad.

“Well, son, this detergent is pretty strong for washing a little dog.”

The little boy replied, “That’s what I want. He’s mighty dirty.”

He took the box of detergent home, and about a week later he returned. The store clerk, recognizing him, asked him about his dog. “Oh, he’s dead,” said the boy.

“Oh, I’m sorry,” replied the clerk. “I guess the detergent was too strong.”

“I don’t think the detergent hurt him,” said the boy. “I think it was the spin cycle that got him.”

You may feel as though you are in the spin cycle, but not even this can separate you from God’s love (Romans 8:38-39)!

The Old Testament prophet Elijah certainly had moments when he was under such pressure that he felt as though he would break. Note his distress as described in 1 Kings 19:1-4.

Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “So may the gods do to me and more also, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by this time tomorrow.” Then he was afraid, and he arose and ran for his life and came to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there. But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he asked that he might die, saying, “It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers.”

Yet, the manner in which God would sustain His servant provides us with the means in which He also sustains us in times of great distress.

1. God prescribed sleep and nourishment.—1 Kings 19:5-8

Elijah needed rest and a good meal. This is the manner in which God comforted His servant. So, in our lives, much distress could be lessened by proper rest and a healthy diet.

2. Supernatural assistance was dispatched.—1 Kings 19:5-8

God divinely and supernaturally provided for Elijah’s needs. Paul explains in Philippians 4:19 that “God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”

3. Elijah was allowed to verbalize his frustrations honestly and openly.—1 Kings 19:9-10

Because of Jesus’ finished work on the cross, we have direct access to God’s throne of grace to find His help in our time of need (Hebrews 4:16). You can cast “all your anxieties upon Him, because He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).

4. God reminded Elijah of His power.—1 Kings 19:11-12

God mightily displayed His power to Elijah through the forces of nature, all under His control. Do you really doubt that the Creator and Ruler of the universe is capable of upholding you during the time of your distress?

5. God quieted Elijah’s soul with His presence.—1 Kings 19:12

God’s presence is not always obvious in our circumstances. God still works in ways that we do not so easily expect.

6. God’s Word recommissioned and renewed Elijah.—1 Kings 19:15-17

As the Psalmist would also record (Psalm 19:7-11), God’s Word does revive us and sustain us, even in times of great stress.

7. Where God is concerned, Elijah learned, things are never as bad as they may appear.—1 Kings 19:18

Even so, in our times of distress, God is working. Things are never as bleak as they feel.

8. A good friend was assigned to provide companionship.—1 Kings 19:19

Never underestimate the fellowship of the local church.

As you go through times of great stress and pressure, may the power of the Holy Spirit encourage you through the recordings of the Holy Scriptures.

Jason