Meeting God in the Burnout

After Lent and Easter we have returned to our trip through the Bible with today’s readings from 1 Kings 19 in which Elijah, who has worked as God’s prophet through incredible odds and in difficult times is now suffering burnout. He has challenged the people and the king and now is ready to die. He feels alone and totally spent, not unlike we feel at times. But in the desert God meets Elijah, first demonstrating the divine presence with power, and then with ultimate quiet. Got asks Elijah why he has come here, and Elijah lays down his burdens. Then God gives Elijah new assignments and demonstrates that God is ever present. It is a good lesson for us and for the young people who are confirmed in today’s early service, that no matter our burnout, God challenges us to keep going and assures us of the divine presence.