In 1 Kings 19: 5-8 is a story about a very depressed man and a very loving God. Elijah was a prophet of God. The word prophet means that God told him things and then his job was to tell people what God said. When Elijah said things that the people liked to hear, then the people liked Elijah. However, when Elijah said things that they didn’t want to hear, the people didn’t like Elijah. The people had not been listening to and obeying God’s ways, but instead, had begun to be interested in a god named Baal. So, God told Elijah that He would show His power to the people. so that they would know that Baal was not the true God. There was a big showdown, and indeed God showed that He was the only true God. The prophets and followers of Baal were shown to be wrong. It was an exhausting experience for Elijah. But things quickly got worse because the queen ( who did not love God) threatened Elijah and Elijah feared for his life. Elijah was scared, tired and depressed. He decided to run away from it all.
Have you ever felt so tired, scared or depressed that you just wanted to run away ? This story shows us that even when we feel like running away, God sees us and knows all about our problems. You see, God saw Elijah in a desert – tired, depressed and hungry. God sent His angel to provide for him. The angel brought him food and water. After Elijah ate and drank, he went to sleep. The angel came again and gave him more food and water. The angel told him that the food and water was necessary because he was to go on a long journey. In fact, Elijah’s journey was 40 days. The food, water and sleep had refreshed him and given him the energy he needed to do what God has said. God loved Elijah and knew just what he needed. God had provided for Elijah.
Here are some wonderful verses that teach us that God sees us and knows all about us:
“O LORD, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do.” Psalm 139: 1-3 NLT
Review the story of Elijah and the Angel as you colour the picture.
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