There are seasons in life when the weight of our journey feels overwhelming, and we come to the end of our own strength. Elijah, after a great victory, found himself exhausted, afraid, and ready to give up, but God met him in his lowest moment with supernatural provision. Just as Elijah needed the touch of the angel and the meal God provided, we too must recognize that we cannot make it on our own; we need the Lord’s help every single day, for the journey is too great for us by ourselves. [02:43]
1 Kings 19:5-8 (ESV)
And he lay down and slept under a broom tree. And behold, an angel touched him and said to him, “Arise and eat.” And he looked, and behold, there was at his head a cake baked on hot stones and a jar of water. And he ate and drank and lay down again. And the angel of the Lord came again a second time and touched him and said, “Arise and eat, for the journey is too great for you.” And he arose and ate and drank, and went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights to Horeb, the mount of God.
Reflection: Where in your life do you feel the journey is too much for you, and how can you invite God’s supernatural help into that specific area today?
When we reach the end of ourselves—when we feel hopeless, helpless, and out of options—God’s strength is revealed most powerfully. Throughout Scripture, God’s people faced impossible odds: Israel before Goliath, Gideon hiding from the Midianites, Jehoshaphat surrounded by enemies, and Moses at the Red Sea. In each case, it was not their own ability but their dependence on God that brought victory. When we admit our need and lean on Him, He provides the strength, wisdom, and courage we lack. [08:17]
2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV)
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Reflection: What is one area of weakness or limitation you need to surrender to God today, trusting Him to show His strength through it?
No matter how skilled, intelligent, or resourceful we may be, Jesus reminds us that apart from Him, we can do nothing of lasting value. Our assignments, our callings, and even our daily responsibilities are too great for us to accomplish in our own power. We need the anointing, the Holy Spirit, and God’s presence to empower us, guide us, and help us fulfill His purpose for our lives. [08:58]
John 15:5 (ESV)
“I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”
Reflection: What is one task or responsibility you have been trying to handle on your own, and how can you intentionally invite Jesus into it today?
God never intended for us to walk this journey alone. We need the church, spiritual leadership, and the support of brothers and sisters in Christ. Isolation leads to discouragement and defeat, but God provides us with a spiritual family, elders, and leaders who pray for us, encourage us, and help us stay on course. When we embrace the help God sends—through people, prayer, and the church—we find strength to continue and cannot fail with God and His people on our side. [13:25]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV)
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Reflection: Who in your church family can you reach out to for encouragement or to encourage today, so that you both experience the strength of spiritual community?
No matter how great the mission or how overwhelming the assignment, God is always greater. When we feel outnumbered, outmatched, or inadequate, God steps in and does what only He can do—sometimes even doing a new thing that has never been done before. Our purpose and calling are bigger than our past or our present struggles, and with God’s help, we can move forward into the greater things He has prepared for us. [17:26]
Isaiah 43:19 (ESV)
Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.
Reflection: What is one “impossible” situation you are facing, and how can you trust God to do a new thing and make a way where there seems to be no way?
Elijah, after experiencing a tremendous victory on Mount Carmel, found himself running for his life, overwhelmed by fear and despair. Despite having just witnessed God’s power in a mighty way, he reached a point of hopelessness, feeling as though his journey was over and his strength was gone. Lying under a juniper tree, Elijah was so exhausted and discouraged that he simply wanted to give up. Yet, in that moment of deep need, God sent an angel to minister to him—not just once, but twice—providing supernatural sustenance and strength for the journey ahead.
This story is a powerful reminder that even the most faithful and victorious among us can find ourselves in places of despair and helplessness. Life’s journey, with all its challenges and assignments, is often too great for us to handle on our own. We may try to rely on our own abilities, intellect, or independence, but ultimately, we are not enough. The truth is, we need God’s help every single day—whether it’s for the simple tasks of life or the great callings He has placed on us.
Throughout Scripture, we see this pattern repeated: God’s people come to the end of themselves, only to discover that His strength is made perfect in their weakness. Whether it was Israel facing Goliath, Gideon hiding from the Midianites, or Moses at the Red Sea, each found that the journey was too much for them, but not for God. When we acknowledge our need and depend on Him, He provides the supernatural help, wisdom, and courage we need to fulfill our purpose.
God’s provision is not just for survival, but for victory and completion of the mission He has given us. He surrounds us with a community—pastors, elders, brothers and sisters in Christ—who support and pray for us. Most importantly, He gives us His Spirit, His grace, and His mercy. No matter how great the task or how deep the despair, God is able to turn things around, to strengthen us, and to remind us that our purpose is greater than our pain. With God on our side, we cannot fail.
1 Kings 19:5-8 (ESV) — > And he lay down and slept under a broom tree. And behold, an angel touched him and said to him, “Arise and eat.” And he looked, and behold, there was at his head a cake baked on hot stones and a jar of water. And he ate and drank and lay down again. And the angel of the Lord came again a second time and touched him and said, “Arise and eat, for the journey is too great for you.” And he arose and ate and drank, and went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights to Horeb, the mount of God.
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