The only time we stop

The other day, I was reading about Elijah and Jezebel. Elijah had just called down fire from heaven, and it consumed the altar and the prophets of Baal. But shortly after, when Jezebel threatened to kill him, he ran for his life. Overwhelmed with fear and exhaustion, he came to a stop—not because he wanted to, but because he had reached his limit.

Elijah stopped under a tree, utterly drained, and told God he’d had enough. His pause wasn’t planned; it came out of desperation. Yet, it became a pivotal moment for him to encounter God in a deeper and more personal way.

Sometimes, the most transformative moments come when we’re forced to stop.

As I thought about Elijah’s story, I realized how life often forces us to stop. Like driving on a busy road, we only pause when there’s a red light or a wreck ahead.

Life can feel like a race, and the only time we slow down is when something interrupts us—exhaustion, challenges, or unexpected setbacks. But what if these pauses aren’t interruptions, but invitations?

Elijah’s stop beneath the tree seemed like a defeat, but it was actually God’s way of meeting him, sustaining him, and redirecting him. Maybe your forced stops—the delays, frustrations, or moments of exhaustion—are God’s way of realigning you.

Instead of rushing through, ask, “Lord, what are You teaching me here?” In those moments, like Elijah, you might hear the still, small voice of God.

Reflection: Are you feeling stuck or frustrated by a pause in your life? Take a moment to reflect: How might God be using this season to speak to you or guide you?

Verse of the Day: The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18

Song of the Day: You’d love this.

~~God in on your side