Fasting Devotion 2026: Day 11

Fasting Devotional – Day Eleven

Wednesday, January 21, 2026

Title: Elijah Surrenders His Weariness

Text: 1 Kings 19

Written by:  Glenda Spence

I Kings 19:4 He said, “It is enough; now, O Lord, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers.” 

Thoughts:

When Elijah examined the apparent failure of his work, he instinctively set the blame on his own unworthiness. It was because he was a sinner, like the rest of his ancestors, that the work seemed to fail. After all his effort and the way God had shown up with the prophets of Baal, Elijah was sure everyone would recognize the one true God. He was distracted by the worries before him.

He was depressed to say the least. Exhausted from his fight and travels he fell asleep under a “broom tree.” The broom tree in scripture symbolizes shelter, sustenance, and divine provision. How wonderful that even in Elijah’s lowest moments, God leads him to shelter, provision, and an angel to minister to Elijah’s needs. It was here that God was able to help Elijah totally surrender all things in his life to God.

God gave rest, food, and an understanding of the future and the hope that He had planned for Elijah. He provided an example of how to look past the obstacles of life (wind, earthquake, fire) to hear His gentle and quiet whisper and surrender his thoughts and fears of the future.

Challenge:

When my husband died, I was in Elijah-level despair. I too was sitting under a broom tree asking why I am here. I saw no future that meant anything to me. My heart and mind were distracted by all the chaos swirling in my head. Then God sent a very “persistent” angel to minister to my needs. She brought spiritual nourishment for my soul. She prayed with me and for me. She helped me begin to hear His gentle and quiet whisper that said there was a future and hope. Because of her surrender to God’s call, I was restored and was able to surrender all my grief and sadness to Him.

Life is full of unexpected events, events that distract us from the promises God has made. That He will never leave us nor forsake you (Heb 13:5), goodness and mercy shall follow you all the days of your life (Psalm 21:6). We need to remember who God says we are in Him. I would challenge you to take time to hear that gentle and quiet whisper that calls us to rest in, rely on, and surrender to our loving Father.

Prayer:

Father, we are so grateful for Your loving kindness, mercy, and goodness. We thank you for your patience when we get distracted from the promises You declared over us. We thank You that as we ask for Your help to surrender to Your voice and not be distracted by the cares of life that You are faithful to complete the work You have begun in us. We want to seek Your face, surrender to Your voice, and look with expectation for Your glory to be displayed.  In Jesus Name, Amen.