Not Getting What We Want

So Ahab went home, sullen and angry because Naboth the Jezreelite had said, “I will not give you the inheritance of my fathers.” He lay on his bed sulking and refused to eat. I Kings 21:4 (New International Version)

Ahab had requested to buy a vineyard from Naboth. Because this vineyard was his family inheritance, Naboth refused to give it up. He was right in his decision. But Ahab did not want to hear the word no. He went to his room and refused comfort and food. His air of entitlement and thoughts that life should always go his way are what ruled his heart….and hence his actions. His tears would not be dried and food would not be his companion until his wife, Jezebel, had Naboth put to death and the vineyard finally became his. God saw this as Ahab selling himself to do evil and pronounced a death sentence upon him. In the end, I have to wonder if Ahab still considered it all worth it.

This passage becomes a wake up call to me. If I have a teachable spirit, God will cause His Word to pinpoint areas in my life whereby I must guard against having an Ahab response to the disappointments of life. My expectations can run deep when it comes to relationships, occupations, opportunities, possessions, and personal goals. If I am focused on immediate gratification instead of eternal value, the set backs, obstacles, refusals, and closed doors will trigger an Ahab response in me. I will become very self focused, sulk, and complain within myself. I will lose site of others and the kingdom work that needs to be done. I will somehow convince myself that I am insignificant and things will never get any better. Misery, tears, and anger will mark my path and life will be far from the way God purposed it to be for me.

What does my Father do at that point? Allows me to experience enough pain from my “fit” to drive me back into His arms for restoration, comfort, and renewal. Humility and submission open the door for me to once again realize God’s love and involvement in my life. He is too loving to let me have all the things I want. His extravagance is in the area of giving me what is for my good and His glory. He knows I will not always understand but my the delight He has when I simply trust Him. What joy and peace are mine when I give to Him the confusion, disappointment, and heartaches.

It will always come down to what I believe about God’s character. Do I believe He loves me, has the best intentions for me, and is bringing about His chosen plan and purpose for me? If the answer is “yes” then I will begin seeing “no” as a loving response from Him rather than an act of cruelty. I will rest instead of resist.

Father, show me my Ahab ways. Teach me the ways of Your Spirit. Your gifts abound if I will but open my hands to receive them. Amen.

In Your Hands - Hillsong
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ThE0kn3u1kc&feature=related

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.

That Which Causes a Shift

Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, "So may the gods do to me and even more, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by tomorrow about this time." And he was afraid and arose and ran for his life and came to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there. 1 Kings 19:2-3 (New American Standard Bible)

I have often been fascinated by the fact that a threat from a woman was all it took for Elijah to be overcome with fear. Elijah! The one who had just stood against Ahab and 400 Baal worshippers. Elijah! The one who saw his prayer for fire from heaven answered in a dramatic way. Elijah! The one who personally heard the voice of God on numerous occasions. Elijah! The one who was used of God to perform many miracles. Yet none of that allowed him to withstand the onslaught of fear. In time, he once again walked with boldness but for a short season he walked in fear.

Ever notice that it doesn’t take much to open an emotional door in our life and experience being over-taken by anger, fear, anxiety, sadness, loneliness, or a host of other feelings? At times it seems to come out of nowhere and yet when it hits it is very apparent. Many of my worst moments have such insignificant beginnings that I am often too embarrassed to admit what triggered the feelings. If asked, my thoughts are usually that it is bad enough that I am even in the mood let alone having to go through the shame of admitting the childish reaction that set it off. While I may be slow in admitting what it is, I usually have no trouble knowing the exact moment and thing that brought about the internal shift. Even so, the conversation can take on the look of a dance as I side-step the issue and generalize my answer. Change is needed in all aspects.

I take comfort in the fact that God knew how to draw out an honest answer from Elijah and He knew the truth that Elijah needed to hear. Elijah felt he was the only one left standing for God and that perception became fodder in which to plant the seeds of fear in his heart. Discouragement was his breeding ground and it can be ours as well. God let him know he was not alone…many others had not left their faith. Once Elijah had some rest, some food, and some truth he was ready to move forward.

While I am learning the process of moving forward after each failure, my heart’s desire is that I find victory in the midst of an onslaught. That I experience the stronghold weakening rather than gaining strength. That I would stand in confidence that God will bring me to such a place.

Father, You’ve said that all things are possible if I will believe. I believe, Lord, help my unbelief. Help me to allow You to do what You long to do in me. Amen.

By Grace Alone - Maranatha Singers
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6lhilgWXIE&feature=related

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.

A Heart for God

His heart was not wholly devoted to the LORD his God, like the heart of his father David. I Kings 15:3 (New American Standard Bible)

David’s heart for God was incredible! It was referenced time and time again as new kings took the throne over Israel and Jerusalem. It was the basis for God saying he was a man after His own heart. It brought about the promise of God to future generations. It was the birth place of the book of Psalms so many people have found comfort in. It is what lead him in victory over Goliath, gave him songs of praise in the wilderness, the will to go on when pursued by his enemies, the joy to exult God in his life, and the ability to rule God’s people.

Many of us look at David’s heart for God and we desire his passion! Can you imagine being able to voice such heartfelt worship as he did?! To see God as your entire source for life? To cry out to Him with tears of joy as well as despair? To fully enjoy God and revel in His joy for you? Do you realize if these statements are the deep desires of your heart, then you have a heart for God just like David had a heart for God?

We often have a mistaken idea of what a life looks like when one has a heart for God. We think it somehow becomes a life that is pain free, problem free, and sin free. How far from the truth! Look at David’s life! He knew the pain of rejection, the fear of being pursued by enemies, the experiences of war, the regret of sin. He knew victories as well as defeats. He knew honor as well as looks of disgust. He received words of praise as well as words that wounded. Yes, he sat on a throne. But it followed years of running and hiding in the wilderness. He knew what it was like to sense God’s nearness and yet to be gripped with the fear of abandonment. The bottom line was not that David had an easy, comfortable, ‘heaven on earth’ life. He had a heart for God. In the midst of pain and suffering, facing the consequences of his own sinful choices as well as the sinful choices of others, loss, heartache, victory, and joy, he chose to praise, love, and honor God. David had a freedom to acknowledge the truth about God and the truth about himself. While his wrong actions displeased God and brought about painful consequences, God still acknowledged David’s heart for Him . His propensity toward sin did not cancel out His passion for God.

I rejoice that the same is true for me! Even though I still fail, still make wrong choices, still look to wrong sources to get needs met, and still battle wrong attitudes, my heart for God is not ignored, doubted, or dismissed by my Father. As a result I have victories, I hear His voice, I drink in His encouragement, and I walk knowing He delights in me. Once again, He has touched the heart that desires Him.

Father, like a parent who is touched by an imperfect gift given by their child, You joy in a heart that is devoted to You. I know You see the desire, passion, and hunger I have for you. Please increase it! Amen.

Delight My Heart - Twila Paris
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHmqqKpLu00&feature=related

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.

When the Brook Dries Up

It happened after a while that the brook dried up, because there was no rain in the land. Then the word of the LORD came to him. 1 Kings 17:7 (New American Standard Bible)

If we misunderstand the purpose and tentative nature of our God-given places of spiritual refreshment and sustenance we can be in for a time of great confusion and discouragement. One of the biggest and yet most difficult lessons for me to learn in my Christian life has been the temporary nature of the very things God provides me with for a time. The first time the brook of relationship dried up for me it sent me reeling. It shook the false foundation of security I was standing on and I was sent back to the very basics of my faith.

It was a time when the temptation ran strong to never again open my heart to a meaningful, significant relationship. The option that played in my mind was to distance myself from ever again experiencing the pain of loss. I feared I could not trust myself to not repeat the same mistakes if I were to cross paths with another caring and nurturing person. I bought into the lie of the enemy that there would never be change and never be freedom for me in this area. God knew better and now I do as well. It has taken nearly two years but I am finally living out of the truth of God’s intentions.

First, I had to see God’s purposeful gift of friendships to me. There are things He wants to teach and show me through other believers. I cannot read Scripture and not see the power of relationship that God means for each of His children. Every significant person that God has ever crossed my path with has left a profound mark on my life and I would not be the person I am today were it not for God’s use of them in my life.

Second, I had to see that although God was using them in mighty ways the focus still had to be on Him. He was the One pouring the very things through them that I needed. While they were the vessels, He was the Source. Their words of encouragement and life were coming from Him.

Third, I had to come to a peaceful resolve that none of them were meant to be a permanent part of my life….at least not in such a hands on and personal way. Once the purpose for their involvement was fulfilled there would be a shift of access and activity. They would no longer be the ones I took questions to or from whom I sought advice. It wasn’t rejection or abandonment. It was a drying up and leading on. There would be new directions we both would go and yet never without God’s continued watch care and voice.

I originally wrote this devotional in October of 2008. I read it now for refreshment and needed review. Since the first writing, God has allowed me the precious experience of new significant relationships and I praise Him for allowing me to live out the truth of what He showed me a year and a half ago.

Father, I have sat beside the dried beds of friendship and struggled to move forward. Thank you that the steps are finally being taken to enter the new places You have for me. Amen.

For Good
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzrGFQysfYU

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.

Is God in it or Not?

Then He said, “Go out, and stand on the mountain before the LORD.” And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice. 1 Kings 19:11-12 (New King James Version)

Notice how many things Elijah had to see that God was not in before finally seeing what He was in. This had nothing to do with God’s presence as He is omni-present….all present and everywhere. It had more to do with God’s working, will, desire, and involvement. Henry Blackaby, in his book Experiencing God, implores the reader to see where God is at work and join Him there. We may have to get past a lot of our own preconceived ideas and hopeful expectations to find and hear God’s still small voice of truth.

How good am I at seeing when things are not of God or not His choosing for my life? In my mind, it may be a good plan but is it of Him? It may be a personal ambition, but is He in it? If something does not work out as I wish, am I willing to trust that He has other plans for me? Am I willing to let my own thoughts die so that I may embrace His calling, will, and purpose for my life? Will I dare to live my life according to His schedule, timing, and leading? These are the questions that must be asked and answered each time something does not go the way I want it to go. Each time I am not able to do what I want to do. Each time my plans fail, my projects crumble, and my way is blocked by walls, roadblocks, and detours. They may be good in and of them themselves but if they are not His choosing I must be willing to let go of them.

This morning I am pondering my desires and wishes with a willingness to see whether or not God is in them. If not, I see the necessity to forego the pursuit of them. He has made it clear that His ways and thoughts are higher than my own. Often times they are opposite of my own! When that is the case, it is impossible for me to have it both ways. I can only head in one direction at a time. It is God’s way or mine. God’s will or mine. God’s plans or mine.

I am taking comfort in the fact that if someone refuses my help, God may not be in it. If a particular opportunity never avails itself, God may not be in it. If a relationship is not working, God may not be in it. And if God is not in it, should that really be what my heart follows after? Would it not be better for me to abandon my personal ambitions in order to embrace His?

Father, close doors, hedge me around, interfere with persistence so as to guide my steps in the way You would have me to go. Bring my will and my wishes into alignment with Your own. Make us one! Amen.

Hold On - Twila Paris
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZwelxYavVY&feature=related

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.

Knowing How to Pray

Then he stretched himself upon the child three times, and called to the LORD and said, "O LORD my God, I pray You, let this child's life return to him." The LORD heard the voice of Elijah, and the life of the child returned to him and he revived. 1 Kings 17:21-23 (New American Standard Bible)

I am struck by Elijah’s prayer of fourteen words, because of its simplicity and brevity. It wasn’t complicated and full of “formulas”. It was direct and to the point. Elijah was given a lifeless body and saw one need to bring before God….a resurrection. It is the first of two such scenarios found in Scripture and both times God does exactly what is asked of Him.

I have read books on prayer, been to seminars regarding prayer, talked with prayer warriors, listened to profound prayers, and desired a more effective prayer life. But when it was all said and done, I will admit to becoming intimidated by prayer. Why? Because it now seems so complicated and complex. There is a prayer language out there that I am not fully educated in as of yet. I don’t know all the “rules” of binding and loosing. I don’t know every tactic of the enemy to come against. All of a sudden, coming unto Him as a little child seems to require an indepth study that is equivalent to a college education.

So this morning I am asking myself and God some questions. How has something that was so simple in Bible times become so complicated and intimidating today? Why is it I can’t just talk to God, tell Him what I need or what I want Him to do, and see Him do it? Because quite frankly, the more complicated prayer becomes the less I tend to do it. What should be a joy and delight becomes over whelming leaving me with the feeling that my prayers are not good enough for God’s ears or worth His time or mine.

I am asking myself, what would happen if I just decided to do what I see patterned in Scripture time and time again? Just ask! Just talk! Just pray! If my walk with God is suppose to be authentic then can’t I talk to God using my own voice, my own words, and my own requests? His prophets did it that way. Jesus did it that way. Countless men and women of faith have done it that way. Prayer is not meant to be an exclusive club whereby only the knowledgeable are welcome. It is meant to be a time of interaction between God and His children. It is meant to be intimate and personal. It is meant to be full of childlike trust and simplicity. May someday I will have the more grown up version of prayer down pat, but for now I need a fresh start with my Father.

Father, You know the questions that abound in my mind this morning. Teach me how to pray! Amen.

Seeing Who It Comes From

Thus says the LORD: “You shall not go up nor fight against your brethren the children of Israel. Let every man return to his house, for this thing is from Me.” Therefore they obeyed the word of the LORD, and turned back, according to the word of the LORD. I Kings 12:24 (New King James Version)

War was diverted among God’s people with this one verse. How essential it is that I allow God to speak these same words over my life in any given situation. For God knows my tendency to focus on the difficult circumstances or people in my life and miss the precious truth of His sovereignty and involvement over and through all things. How easy it can be to fight the very thing that God is either causing or allowing. There is no rest or peace when I choose to resist that which God is doing.

Rather than fight it, God implores me to return to my home, and Psalm 91 reminds me where my home is. It is in the shadow of His wings, for He is to be my dwelling place, refuge, and fortress. God wants me to realize that I am to abide in His presence for my shelter, safety, and security.

As I step into a new day (and month) God desires me to hear Him voice His five word phrase to me on a continual basis. When I face a difficulty, “This thing is from Me.” When I sustain a loss, “This thing is from Me.” When a medical diagnosis threatens to turn my world upside down, “This thing is from Me.” When relationships change, “This thing is from Me.” When disappointment marks my path, “This thing is from Me.” When that which I desire to hold on to slips through my fingers, “This thing is from Me.” When my plans fall apart, “This thing is from Me.” When the storms of life hit hard, “This thing is from Me.” When dreams die, “This thing is from Me.”

As I receive the words He is speaking then I will find the peace that passes all understanding. I will no longer view myself as a victim of other people’s choices and actions. I will stop being consumed with self pity, condemnation, and grief. Each portrait the enemy has painted on the walls of my imagination will be replaced with artwork painted by the sovereign and loving hand of God. I will begin to notice the many positive, uplifting, and encouraging gifts with which God graces my life. And I will experience the truths of Zephaniah 3:17 which say He will quiet me with His love.

Father, there is not a day in my life when I do not need to hear you say these things are from You. I receive them as words spoken from a heart of love and a desire for my good. Amen.

A Death Wish

But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my father. I Kings 19:4 KJV

I am writing today’s devotional with the awareness that some may be reading this who have in fact attempted to take their own lives through suicide. Others are reading it who, like Elijah, have prayed that God would just let them die. Knowing that God created us in His image with a strong desire to live, I am asking myself what it is that causes a person to desire death over life?

For Elijah it was fear. Jezebel had threatened his life and he ran for his life only to sit down and pray the Lord would let him die. For others it may be any number of issues that cause life to seem unbearable. Darkness sets in, reason leaves, confusion abounds, and there does not seem to be a way of escape or even a desire to find the escape.

I have known three distinct times in my life when I voiced such a prayer to God….or at least strongly wished He would just allow my life to end. One time was several years ago when my mother passed away. The ache of losing her engulfed me and there were times while driving I longed for semi trucks to just make their way over to my lane to end it all in one horrific accident. The other time was with the loss of a significant person in my life a year ago. Again, the enormous ache and pain left me with a death wish. I just wanted to stop hurting. Most recently it was during the darkest time of spiritual oppression that I have ever known. I felt isolated from every significant person in my life, questioned my own validity with God, doubted I should even write devotionals, and felt such darkness that again I despaired and wished God would just let me die. The fact that I am writing this devotional today reveals His ways are higher than my ways. Praise Him!

In the first two instances, time was a factor in regaining a desire to live. This most recent time was becoming acutely aware of how involved the enemy was in my life. David said in Psalm 55, “Because of the voice of the enemy…my heart is sore pained within me; and the terrors of death are fallen upon me.” I know now that the dark thoughts, multitude of confusion, and ultimate thought of death were his whispers. But God’s voice spoke louder. He listened the night my constant prayer was, “Jesus, I need You.” He held me when I lacked the strength to hold on to Him. And He revealed to me the true nature of my mindset. I stand in awe of His continual redeeming love!

Father, may I be filled with the fullness of You and live out the rest of my days in Your embrace! Amen.

Doing What He Says

Shimei then said to the king, “The word is good. As my lord the king has said, so your servant will do.” So Shimei lived in Jerusalem many days. I Kings 2:38 NASB

Shimei spoke these words to King Solomon. Each of us have the daily opportunity to speak the same words to God. For those of us who know Jesus as our Savior, we have the Holy Spirit dwelling within us. If we are willing to listen, He will whisper instructions to us. If we are willing to obey, He will empower us to do what He says. So what might those whispers sound like?

When I was a child, my siblings and I enjoyed playing a game called “I Spy.” One person would say “I spy something blue.” And the rest of us would proceed to guess at a variety of objects in the room that were blue until someone actually pinpointed what the person was spying. It kept us amused and busy to say the least! Well, in a sense, God has begun nudging me to be on the look out for certain things…three so far.

First, be on the look out for opportunities to defer to others. To put it another way, watch for ways to put others first. It is amazing how many times and places this becomes possible. At work, in traffic, in stores, in our homes! It becomes a joy to discover an opportunity and a delight to carry out the plan. What I found was with each success, I was asking God to help me see another one. No one around us knew we were doing this but God and I were having the time of our life!!!!

Second, be on the look out for the enemy’s presence. With God’s help I am becoming acutely aware of his tactics, finger prints, and attendance. What I am seeing is amazing me! Last night, something was said that rubbed me the wrong way. In the middle of my inner irritation and anger, God startled me with the realization that the enemy was in our midst. He was feeding me interpretations and thoughts that fueled my fire, and I was taking the bait…or plate rather! When I spied the enemy, his gig was up! All the anger in me left as he departed and what could have been a miserable evening turned into rejoicing!

Third, be on the look out for allowing God’s truth to take precedence and counter negative messages that run through my head. For instance, I get dressed, look in the mirror, and the first thought to hit me is “You have got to loose some weight.” But God’s truth needs to take precedence. I am fearfully and wonderfully made! When my hair won’t cooperate God’s truth is that my hair is my crown of beauty. He has a truth for EVERY thought to be battled and renounced.

There will be plenty of opportunities to voice Shimei’s words to God today. And to think He will supply the will, the way, and the success!

Father, my journey is one of daily interacting with You and there really is no better way to live! Amen.

Asking For and Accepting His Help

That He may incline our hearts to Himself, to walk in all His ways, to keep His commandments and His statutes and His judgments, which He commanded our Fathers. I Kings 8:58 NKJV

What is it that lacks in your Christian life? What is it that you find hard to admit to yourself, others, and God? Many times the commands of God can appear to be a daunting list that leave us feeling more like failures than conquerors. Bombarded with thoughts of disappointing God, falling short of unattainable goals, and just plain not good enough the enemy of our soul sets in and paints an even darker picture over our life.

I take comfort in Solomon’s words as he spoke a blessing over the children of Israel. His request becomes my request and somehow gives me permission to begin asking God for those things I long to be a part of my life. Rather than daunting, God’s commands can actually become a prayer list for me as I admit to inability and ask for God’s help. I am not meant to live my Christian life out of self motivation, self reformation, and self determination. For if that is what I am doing I have once again allowed the tentacles of legalism and performance to wrap themselves around me. God has a better way!

This morning I bring my list of needs to God. I realize once again if He does not do these things in my life I do not stand a chance. How freeing it is to stand before Him with open heart, outstretched arms, and spoken requests. What use to be a secret hidden away in the depths of my heart now becomes transparent before Him. I bow to Him and humbly ask Him to…


*Incline my heart toward Himself.
*Give me a love for Him that surpasses all other loves of my life.
*Help me to seek Him with all my heart.
*Be the longing and desire of my heart.
*Be the primary topic of my conversations.
*Make prayer appealing to me.
*Satisfy and fill me.
*Loosen the grip and appeal of idols.
*Be enough!

Father, this list is not complete but it is a start. Thank you that all You require from me You are willing to help me to do. I need You. Amen.

Settling the Unsettled Issues

How long will you hesitate between two opinions? I Kings 18:21

This question has been on my mind since yesterday. Elijah is asking a question to the nation Israel in regards to whom they are choosing to worship. But the question is multi layered for me. For I know all too well the frustration that comes when issues are unsettled in my mind. James says it is like being driven by the waves and tossed. The tossing of our souls can be draining.
I have found it does not work to base my beliefs on any issue according to public opinion or my own emotions. It is too unsettling.

As a young Christian I really wanted to know how to live my Christian life. I wanted to know what I should and should not be doing. This entailed what I should believe, how I should act, where I should go, how I should dress, etc… I would have been more than happy to be given a list of does and don’ts on paper. But since that wasn’t an option I learned to watch people and listen. What they said and did became my basis for what I said and did. It felt safe. If it worked for them it would work for me. I need guidelines as a teenager and examples abounded within my church. Someone once told me to let God and His Word guide me in this area, but that seemed too hard. It was easier for me to just let people be my teachers.

What I did not realize as a teenager and continued to miss as an adult was that in looking to people to define my Christian life for me I was missing out on a necessary aspect of my relationship with God. It is His intent that I look to Him to give me direction and guidance in the daily decisions I must make. Those things I accept or reject in my life need to be based on what God says. Sometimes Scripture is very clear on an issue and sometimes we have basic principles to go by. But it is not always clear cut and there is much variety in the body of Christ. A former pastor of mine once said the Christian life is like a housing addition. Each house is built to code but then there is room for variety in the design and final look of the house.

That is what I was missing in my connection with God. When it comes to an issue that is not an absolute command in Scripture I need to be able to go to Him directly and allow Him to help me make up my mind.

Father, You have always been there waiting for me to turn to You, to ask You, to seek You, to follow You, to know You. I now do that! Amen.

Having A Right View of God

What are you doing here, Elijah? I Kings 19:9

Many times God uses questions to probe our heart. They are meant to get us to search for the reasons behind our actions, words, and attitudes. God seeks to draw the truth out of us. Elijah had an answer ready for God but the conclusion he drew was incorrect. He thought he was the only follower left. Many times circumstances can distort our perception of God and ourselves. If one person rejects us then we interpret that to mean all people are rejecting us. If something goes wrong we feel everything is going wrong. Then the very thoughts we hold toward others become the thoughts we hold against God.

God always desires to reveal Himself to us. He wants to do nothing more than take our false, pre-conceived ideas and replace them with the truth. Usually the distortions are: God does not love me, God is angry with me, God is too busy for me, God is preoccupied. So far from the truth!

The Bible reveals much about the heart and character of God. When I have a wrong view of God, it is imperative that I counter it out loud with Scripture. For instance, if I tell myself God does not love me, I must counter it with God loves me with an everlasting love. He does not care must hear casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. And so on.

God does not mean for us to walk through life with lies about Himself. He loves it when we ask Him to reveal Himself to us.

Father, You present such a clear picture of Yourself. May I no longer live with the distorted ones. Amen.

He Provides What I Need

Arise and eat, because the journey is too great for you. I Kings 19:7b

After a great victory at Mt. Carmel, Elijah is running for his life and praying God would take his life. Jezebel is convinced she holds sway over his life and she has convinced Elijah of that very thing.
This morning I am sad. My emotions are on the surface. The fingers of authority threaten to strangle me and the prospects for the next three years look dim. I have struggled to journal or even feast on God’s Word.

Elijah was given bread and water to eat. He was sustained for forty days on what he ate. He went in the strength of that food. What is it that God will feed me with at this time of my life? His Word. His Spirit. His presence. Although I have given up all personal plans I know He is still the rock I stand on, the tower I dwell in, the refuge I find shelter in, the security I rest in. His hand is on me and I grasp it. His ears are open to my cry. His heart is moved by my plight.
As I seek direction He gives it. He has NOT forsaken me nor has He stepped aside and left me to fend for myself. My sadness does not offend Him ~ He understands this kind of sorrow.
I don’t know what lies ahead but I know who to hold on to in the midst of the storm. I must look to Him to provide for my social, emotional., and spiritual well being. May I rest in Him until definite direction is given.

Father, You control my life. May those who seek to hinder me not succeed. Amen.

He Provides What I Need

Arise and eat, because the journey is too great for you. I Kings 19:7b

After a great victory at Mt. Carmel, Elijah is running for his life and praying God would take his life. Jezebel is convinced she holds sway over his life and she has convinced Elijah of that very thing.

This morning I am sad. My emotions are on the surface. The fingers of authority threaten to strangle me and the prospects for the next three years look dim. I have struggled to journal or even feast on God’s Word.

Elijah was given bread and water to eat. He was sustained for forty days on what he ate. He went in the strength of that food. What is it that God will feed me with at this time in my life? His Word. His Spirit. His presence. Although I have given up all personal plans I know He is still the Rock I stand on, the Tower I dwell in, the Refuge I find shelter in, and the Security I rest in. His hand is on me and I grasp it. His ears are open to my cry. His heart is moved by my plight.
As I seek direction He gives it. He has not forsaken me nor has He stepped aside and left me to fend for myself. My sadness does not offend Him ~ He understands this kind of sorrow. I do not know what lies ahead but I know who to hold on to in the midst of the storm. I must look to Him to provide for my social, emotional, and spiritual well being. May I rest in Him until definite direction is given.

Father, You control my life. May those who seek to hinder me not succeed. Amen.