The shower drain became clogged and the washing machine stopped working. Very soon after arriving home from a very stressful day at work, I spotted something that would require an additional service call.  Soon, the doorbell began to signal the arrival of the various technicians. I went from room to room as they discussed with me the different situations going on.

While talking to the plumber, I caught a glimpse of my special scented cucumber soap in the soap dish of the bathtub.  My plan to unwind  with a hot bath after everyone left provided some comfort in the midst of the confusion.

Everything changed, however, when the plumber unexpectedly leaned over and picked up my luxury bar of cucumber soap. Before I could even speak, he quickly took it to the sink to wash his hands. When he finished, he nonchalantly placed the now very small, AND covered in dirt, bar of soap back in its dish.

As shallow as it sounds, I felt the plumber had just cut the one thread by which I was hanging at that moment.

It is inconsistent, but large tragedies and a succession of small irritations can both tempt us to say, “I have had enough!”

On a much greater scale, Elijah had “one of those days” and said, according to the NIV translation, “… I have had enough, Lord…” 1 Kings 19:4

Then he looked, and there by his head [was] a cake … 1Ki 19:6 NKJV

And the angel of the LORD … touched him, and said, “Arise [and] eat, because the journey [is] too great for you.” 1Ki 19:7 NKJV

So he arose, and ate and drank; and he went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights … 1Ki 19:8 NKJV

I know the application for which some of you are hoping. I think I would be taking this event out of context, though, if I suggested we should eat an entire cake when our challenges are just too overwhelming.  

One thing I am sure of is this. God is aware when the “journey is too great” for us and He has a plan.

1 Co 10:13 says, “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God [is] faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear [it].” (NKJV)

This verse contains 3 promises for us:

1. God is faithful.
2. He promises He will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we are able to bear.
3. He promises to make a way of escape so that we can bear it.

Knowing that God is always aware of what I am able to bear is a great comfort to me. Practically speaking, our part is to thank Him for His faithfulness and trust Him with His “way of escape.”

My prayer for all of us:

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Rom 15:13 NKJV

What encourages you spiritually when you feel you “have had enough”?

Your DoAhead Friend,

Lauren