Down To Nothing

Pastor James McDonald preaches an incredible sermon on Elijah, when he visits the widow and asks for water and food, before she makes her "last" meal, figuring that she and her son will soon die from the effects of the drought. It's a powerful message and I was grateful to have it heard it when it aired yesterday on the radio.

A few things are amazing about this story. First of all, she recognizes the power of Elijah's God. She knows the struggles and realities of her life, but she doesn't acknowledge her circumstance in light of her understanding of God. Instead she says, "as the Lord your God lives..."

At the end of this story in 1 Kings, we know that she comes around to the reality of the power of God and that His Word is true. But in the meantime, somehow, she listens and responds to what Elijah has told her to do, as instructed by the Lord. It was this lesson that McDonald highlights, that stands out on this #associatePastorTuesday.

How often do we as Christians or people of faith, or people not of faith for that matter, step into the presence of a pastor, priest or rabbi and seek their advice, in the hopes that they will be able to help with their spiritual insight and understanding. Perhaps that they will have a Word from the Lord specifically for us, over the course of the conversation.

Yet upon hearing it, especially if the Word speaks to a sensitive area of life, and walls go up.

"Don't know you know what I (we) are going through? How difficult things are at this moment? Leave us alone, that I may do my thing, so that we can eat and die."

I can help but wonder, if it we weren't immediately obedient to the work and Word of God in our lives, how much different would things ago, if we listened and followed through on what was spoken to us through our pastors and church leaders as a recognition of their spiritual authority and leadership... not as a matter of greatness on their own, but as a mouthpiece of God helping to direct our lives, our struggles, our realities and our future.

How many miracles do we miss on when we fail to do the simple thing, even when our reality is one of drought and despair?

For the widow, the miracle of provision and healing. For you, who knows? Only God.

Pray this #associatePastorTuesday, that God would give pastors wisdom as they represent Him to those in need. Pray that God would not only grant them insight and discernment in their conversations, but the boldness to lead people in truth. May those who seek them out, be willing to acknowledge their position and authority and respond accordingly. Pray that pastors would not be discouraged in the outcomes that are beyond their control; but remain faithful to do and speak into the lives and circumstances in which God has placed them.

Faithful in the calling upon our lives
Obedient in the direction we're instructed to go.
Despite the realities of struggles,
For God is able to accomplish the miraculous in all matters.
For His glory and honor...
That all may know He is God.

- PNC

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