“So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he travelled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God.”

1 Kings 19:8

All the strength that our gracious God gives us is meant for service — not for self-indulgence or pride.

When the prophet Elijah found the bread baked on the coals and the jar of water by his head as he rested under the juniper tree, it wasn’t a luxury meant for his comfort. Rather, God gave it so he could journey forty days and nights to Mount Horeb, the mountain of God.

In the same way, when Jesus invited his disciples to “Come and dine” with him, the meal was followed by a command to Peter: “Feed my sheep,” and then, “Follow me.” Likewise, we are nourished with the bread of heaven so that we might use our strength in serving Christ.

When we come to the Lord’s table, we eat with readiness—our loins girded and staff in hand—prepared to go wherever he sends us once we’ve been fed. Yet some Christians are eager to live on Christ, but not as eager to live for Christ.

This life on earth should prepare us for heaven. And heaven itself is a place of both feasting and serving. There, the saints dine at the Lord’s table and serve him day and night in his temple. They are nourished with heavenly food and give perfect service in return.

Believer, use the strength you receive from Christ each day to labor for him. Many of us still have much to learn about the purpose for which God gives his grace. We are not meant to store up the truth, keeping it unused like the grain found sealed in Egyptian tombs for centuries. We are to plant it, nurture it, and let it bear fruit.

Why does the Lord send rain on the dry earth and the warmth of the sun? It is so that the earth may bring forth food for humankind. In the same way, God refreshes and strengthens our souls so that we might use that renewed strength to bring glory to him.

Charles Spurgeon