If you are like me, during Lent you may have several resources come into your email inbox. There are times that I do not get to read all of them daily. But this past Monday I was inspired to read a selection I often miss. “Daily Inspirations” comes from the website Crosswalk.com. The reflection that grabbed my attention was titled “Kill Me Now.” It was about Moses, Elijah, and Jonah and their people, pity, and pouting problems. There are times that I have had feelings like those described in the story, but I didn’t think these prophets of the Old Testament had similar feelings.
Take a look at this quote from Numbers 11:15: “If this is how you are going to treat me, put me to death right now—I have found favor in your eyes—and do not let me face my own ruin.” According to the reflection in “Daily Inspirations,” Moses had a real “People Problem.” He could not figure out how to satisfy the Israelites in the desert.
Elijah on the other hand had a “Pity Problem.” He was able to destroy the prophets of Baal and see the end of a drought but one simple vow from the Queen sent him reeling. Here is how he felt: “…while he himself went a day’s journey into the desert. He came to a broom tree, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. ‘I have had enough, Lord,’ he said. ‘Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.’ (1 Kings 19:4)
Lastly, Jonah had a “Pouting Problem.” “Now, O Lord, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than live.” (Jonah 4:3). You see, after Jonah finally got to Nineveh, preached so well, and the Lord did not destroy Nineveh, he became angry that the destruction he proclaimed never came to be.
Interesting that all of these great men had experienced great blessings, miracles, and gifts from God. But, as circumstances became overwhelming and impossible, their exhausted body, soul, and spirit cried out. They realized that they could not go on using their own power.
Have you ever had similar experiences? We’ve all experienced the goodness of God in our lives but sometimes when we become weary, whether it be in body, soul or spirit, we cry out in our own way. But, we have Jesus who is the key to all those situations -- People Problems, Pity Problems, and Pouting Problems. Jesus experienced all those things the great prophets did and more. But he trusted in the Father. Our situations can turn us away from wanting to live through the challenges, coming out redeemed. The evil one has a way of coming into our lives when we are tired. Can we remain hopeful? Can we make it through to the other side of the tunnel? We need to stay alive and remember that we serve a God of hope and follow Jesus who had to deal with people, pity, and pouting while laying down his life for us.
This week, check in and see if during this pandemic time you may have had similar feelings as the great prophets. What blessings graces and miracles have you experienced? Don’t give them up because you have become wearisome. Jesus is there as the key to open the doors you need to bring life to yourself and others.
Till next week,
Sister Theresita
