Topic: The Uncomfortable Path to a Miracle [RICK WARREN Devotional 28 January 2021]
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The Uncomfortable Path to a Miracle
“Then the LORD spoke his word to Elijah, ‘Go to Zarephath in Sidon and live there. I have commanded a widow there to take care of you.’ So Elijah went to Zarephath.”
1 Kings 17:8-10 (NCV)Sometimes you’re scared to death and vulnerable. You don’t know where you’re going, how long it’s going to take, or what’s going to happen when you get there. So what do you do?
You remember that the path to a miracle often goes through uncomfortable territory.
The Bible gives an illustration in 1 Kings 17:8-10: “Then the Lord spoke his word to Elijah, ‘Go to Zarephath in Sidon and live there. I have commanded a widow there to take care of you.’ So Elijah went to Zarephath” (NCV).
God’s instructions meant that Elijah would have to walk more than 100 miles during a drought through dangerous territory. Everyone he met would know who he was—and King Ahab had a price on his head. Elijah’s path was definitely an uncomfortable one.
When Elijah finally made it to Zarephath, he met a poor widow who was going to feed him. But the town still was full of pagan people who wouldn’t hesitate to kill him. How could the widow defend or protect him?
Miracles don’t happen when things are comfortable. Miracles happen when things are uncomfortable.
Elijah didn’t say, “God, there are three things wrong with this plan. One, you’re sending me in the wrong direction. Two, you’re sending me to the wrong location. And three, you’re sending me to the wrong protection.”
Elijah just obeyed.
God’s path to a miracle often takes you through uncomfortable territory so you’ll learn to depend on him. It was true for Elijah and for God’s people throughout the Bible. For instance:
- When Moses led the Israelites out of slavery to the Promised Land, they had to go through the Red Sea first.
- Before David could slay Goliath, he had to walk onto the battlefield.
- God told Jehoshaphat to put the choir before the army, and he’d win the victory. How much faith do you think that took?
Miracles never happen in your comfort zone. When everything is settled in your life, you don’t need a miracle. You only need a miracle when you’re at a low.
Are you at a place where things are a little uncomfortable—financially, emotionally, relationally, or physically? Maybe you’re nervous, unsettled, or insecure. Congratulations. You’re on the path to a miracle!
On your uncomfortable path, follow the example of Elijah. Obey God so you can see his miracle at the end of the road.
- What is God asking you to do that makes you uncomfortable?
- When have you seen God work a miracle in an uncomfortable situation for you or someone you know? How did that cause you to depend more on him?
- Who are the people who can encourage you on the uncomfortable road of faith you may be walking right now?