Legendary Green Bay Packers coach Vince Lombardi once said, “Fatigue makes cowards of us all.”
It happened to the prophet Elijah. After his dazzling victory on Mount Carmel, he found himself exhausted and running from Jezebel. Instead of basking in the glory of being used in a great way, he wound up curled up under a tree, crying, “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.”
Three important things happened next.
First, he fell asleep.
Second, an angel came to him and told him to eat.
Third, he started getting better.
It’s interesting that before Elijah witnessed the next wave of God’s glory, he got some sleep and something to eat.
This is a good example to follow. If you’re awaiting the day you can stand on the mountain of the Lord and see his glory passing by, keep in mind that preparation includes — along with all things spiritual — plenty of sleep and a good meal.
Health and wellness experts advise us to use the acronym HALT as a warning: Ask yourself if you’re Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired. These, unheeded, can lead to a setback. In Lombardi’s way of saying it, they make cowards of us all.
It doesn’t sound as religious as some would like, but it’s such good stewardship. Your body is a temple. Take care of yourself.
It makes a difference in how you handle both success and defeat. Being physically prepared helps you prepare yourself spiritually for God’s power to be unleashed in your life.
© 2012/2026. Today’s memo first appeared at Preaching Library.
