Devotion – The “Poor Me!” Moments

“I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty. . . I am the only one left. . .” (1 Kings 19:14)

Some days living with chronic illness causes me to go into the mode Elijah was in according to our scripture today. He was running from the wicked Queen, Jezebel because she was having all the prophets killed. Elijah felt “he was the only one left.” He hid in the wilderness & sat under a tree feeling sorry for himself–so much so that he started telling the Lord, in essence “just how much he had done for Him, so why was God letting this happen to him?”

I feel this way so often. I sometimes feel like these illnesses are chasing me, & I have to run so hard to find a place where I can hide, & pray that yet another one won’t catch me & attach itself to me.

I truly feel “alone” as Elijah did, while everyone else is able to go about their lives free of all care, pain & suffering.

But, as God did for Elijah, when I turn to Him & His word, I am once again reminded that I am never really alone. I know Jesus “never leaves me nor forsakes me.” He always helps me find ways to cope with the problems I have.

If we read further in this scripture we find that, right after Elijah had his “temper tantrum,” the Lord used him in a mighty, mighty way.

I have found this to be true in my life, also. While I am limited in where I can go & what I can do with others anymore, the Lord always shows me something that He has for me to do for Him, so that He will get the glory. . . usually right from my home or sick bed.

Prayer: Father, forgive me for complaining, & teach me how I can best use my limitations to glorify You! That is my heart’s desire.

About the Author:
Alice Ervin is trying not to think of herself as “an illness,” but as a child of God whom He can & will use for His purposes–no matter what her physical body is going through.