In our Focal Scripture, Elijah girded up his loins in order to run speedily to Jezreel before the rains would stop him. To gird up one’s loins was to tuck in one’s garments into a girdle worn at the waist region. Elijah needed to appear like a Prophet; but he also needed to get to Jezreel early enough before the rains would stop him, and he chose to tuck in his garment. He understood the place of immediate priority, and adjusted accordingly.
Friend, in your journey through life, understand what your priority should be at every turn. Know when your garment needs to be flowing and know when it needs to be tucked in; know when a matter is important and when it is not so important; know when comfort can be called enjoyment and when it becomes counter productive; know what needs to give way for progress to be made; know when to tuck in your garment.
Elijah needed fast paced movement, and he tucked in his flowing garment. He needed to arrive at a destination and on time too, and he tucked in the garment that could hinder him. If you truly need to be at your destination and on time too, then take the bold step of tucking in your garment. Tuck in your appetite if need be; tuck in your desire for comfort; tuck in some relationships, pleasure moments, distractions, etc.
Elijah didn’t have the advantage of a chariot like Ahab, and he had no choice but to tuck in the garment so that he could run. Sometimes, the fact that others could do without tucking in their garments should not deter you from tucking in yours; you may not have the advantage they have; you may not have the resources they have; you may not have their level of access, contacts, advantages, etc, so tuck your garment in.
Always know the difference between your priorities and mere options. If it is a priority, don’t make it an option; if it can afford to be an option, never make it a priority.
