Arise And Eat: The Journey Is Too Great For Thee Series

ARISE AND EAT: THE JOURNEY IS TOO GREAT FOR THEE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Kings 19:7

Supporting Texts: Isaiah 40:29-31; Psalm 23:1-3; Philippians 4:13; 2 Corinthians 12:9-10; Matthew 11:28–30

INTRODUCTION:

After the victory at Mount Carmel, Elijah expected national revival. But instead of celebration, he was met with threats from Jezebel. Discouraged, overwhelmed, and afraid, he fled into the wilderness and asked to die. This once-bold prophet was now physically, emotionally, and spiritually exhausted. It was in this state that God sent an angel—not to rebuke him, but to strengthen him with food and water, saying, "Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee."

This passage reveals God’s compassion and understanding of human frailty. There are seasons in life and ministry where our strength fails, our vision dims, and our zeal declines. But even there, God meets us with divine nourishment and reassurance. The journey may be great, but God supplies greater grace.

1. EVEN THE STRONGEST SAINTS CAN EXPERIENCE WEARINESS

Elijah, the prophet who called down fire from heaven, came to a point of exhaustion.

a) Spiritual victories do not exempt us from emotional and physical fatigue

After the mountaintop comes the valley. Elijah was not sinning—he was simply worn out.

b) God recognises our humanity and responds with compassion, not condemnation

He did not scold Elijah for running—He sustained him.

c) Burnout is real—even among faithful servants of God

It often comes after intense seasons of spiritual warfare or unmet expectations.

d) Weariness is not a sign of failure, but an invitation to divine rest and renewal

God understands when we say, “It is enough.”

Biblical Example: David grew faint in battle and had to be rescued by his men (2 Samuel 21:15–17).

2. GOD PROVIDES NOURISHMENT FOR THE NEXT STAGE OF YOUR JOURNEY

The angel of the Lord brought bread and water to Elijah—twice.

a) “Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee.” (1 Kings 19:7)

God knows what lies ahead and gives strength suited for the path.

b) Divine nourishment comes through both physical and spiritual means

Sometimes, we need rest, food, worship, and Word.

c) What sustained you yesterday may not be enough for tomorrow—fresh supply is needed

Elijah ate twice before he was strong enough to travel.

d) When God is leading you, He will never leave you undernourished

He provides what is necessary for the assignment.

Biblical Example: Jesus told His disciples, “Come aside... and rest a while.” (Mark 6:31)

3. THE JOURNEY OF DESTINY REQUIRES DIVINE STRENGTH

Elijah was being led to Mount Horeb, where God would speak to him afresh.

a) Every God-ordained journey is beyond human strength alone

We cannot fulfil divine purpose with carnal ability.

b) God doesn't remove the journey—He empowers us to endure it

His grace does not cancel the road but carries us through it.

c) The path to restoration, revelation, and renewed calling may be long—but God walks with us

Elijah journeyed forty days and forty nights.

d) The encouragement of heaven comes not to entertain us, but to enable us

Angelic visitation led to spiritual invigoration.

Biblical Example: Paul was sustained through many hardships by God's grace (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).

4. GOD MEETS US IN OUR LOWEST POINTS TO LIFT US HIGHER

Elijah went from suicidal despair to renewed prophetic commission.

a) God meets you where you are, not where you pretend to be

He came to Elijah in the wilderness—not the palace.

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b) Divine encounter is often preceded by human weakness

God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness.

c) God does not discard the weary—He revives them

Elijah was not fired; he was refreshed and recommissioned.

d) Your lowest season can become your launching pad into a higher purpose

Horeb was where Elijah received a new mandate.

Biblical Example: Jonah was recommissioned after repenting in the belly of the fish (Jonah 3:1-2).

5. THE GOD WHO SENDS THE JOURNEY SUSTAINS THE TRAVELLER

Elijah's continued assignment was not based on his strength but God’s supply.

a) The One who began the work in you will also complete it (Philippians 1:6)

Elijah still had nations to anoint and prophets to raise.

b) God equips those He calls—even when they feel unqualified or tired

He doesn't depend on your energy but your surrender.

c) There is always more in God—even when we feel empty

You are not finished because you feel tired—He still has use for you.

d) The road may be long, but grace is longer

The journey is great, but so is your God.

Biblical Example: Moses continued leading Israel for forty years under divine strength (Deuteronomy 34:7).

CONCLUSION:

When the journey becomes too great, God doesn't abandon you—He strengthens you. Elijah thought it was the end, but it was just a transition. Sometimes, all we need is one word, one touch, or one divine meal to continue. Don’t give up. Arise and eat. There is more ahead, and God is not through with you yet.