Zion Lutheran Church

(Elijah) went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a solitary broom tree. He asked that he might die: “It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life, for I am no better than my ancestors.” (1 Kings 19:4)

Elijah is one of the great prophets of Israel. In fact, despite the fact that in this lesson he is miserable and just wants to die, the scriptures report that he was taken up to God without dying and there were prophecies that said that the Messiah would not come until after Elijah had returned. In spite of the fact that Elijah felt like everything was over, God was still able to use him to do more.

We may often feel the same way. We get frustrated or tired and wonder if there is anything left in the tank. Or we make a mistake and just wish we could crawl under a rock and hide. But God is able to use us in all our struggles to influence the course of events and still make a difference.

This weekend is All Saints Sunday. It is a day we give thanks for the people who have gone before us for the efforts they made to bring us life and faith. Many of them likely had moments like Elijah where they felt dried up and just wanted to give up. But our remembrance of them will honor the fact that they made a difference and that God used them. In some way, they were gifts of God and we are who we are, in part because of them.

Take a little time this week to reflect on the people who have gone back to God. Give thanks for their memory. If needed, shed a tear. Or crack a smile at a happy memory. Whatever it is that you need to do, allow the memories to do their work. For in the remembering, God will continue to work in your life.