--STRENGTH FOR THE JOURNEY ~~

~~~"All at once an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.”
---[1 Kings 19:5]

--[PLEASE READ/ 1 KINGS 19:1–9]--

One summer, I faced what seemed an impossible task—a big writing project with a looming deadline. Having spent day after day on my own, endeavoring to get the words onto the page, I felt exhausted and discouraged, and I wanted to give up. A wise friend asked me, “When’s the last time you felt refreshed? Maybe you need to allow yourself to rest and to enjoy a good meal.”

~~~I knew immediately that she was right. Her advice made me think of Elijah and the terrifying message he received from Jezebel (1 Kings 19:2)—although, of course, my writing project wasn’t anywhere near the cosmic scale of the prophet’s experience. After Elijah triumphed over the false prophets on Mount Carmel, Jezebel sent word that she would capture and kill him, and he despaired, longing to die. But then he enjoyed a good sleep and was twice visited by an angel who gave him food to eat. After God renewed his physical strength, he was able to continue with his journey.

When the “journey is too much” for us (v. 7), we might need to rest and enjoy a healthy and satisfying meal. For when we are exhausted or hungry, we can easily succumb to disappointment or fear. But when God meets our physical needs through His resources, as much as possible in this fallen world, we can take the next step in serving and resting in Jesus. ~

~~REFLECT & PRAY

~~"Creator God, You formed us as Your people. Thank You for our limitations, which remind us that You’re God and we’re not. Help us to serve You with gladness and joy. We praise You, our Lord, Savior, Rock and Redeemer. Thank You for your love, grace and mercy. In Jesus Name~ amen"
--ODB/ABP~ --"Mercy Said No" (lyrics/ CeCe Winans) //<https://youtu.be/Ra4F91nfQdc>
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~~["For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind"-[2 Timothy 1 verse 7 (KJV)]
~~["There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love" [1 John 4 verse 8 (NKJV)]
~~["In God I have put my trust;
I will not be afraid. What can man do to me" - [Psalm 56:11]
~~[So we may boldly say: "The LORD is my helper;
I will not fear. What can man do to me?" --[Hebrews 13:6] ~~
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