The Uncomfortable Path to a Miracle
By Rick Warren
“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.
PLAY today’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick
For more Daily Hope with Rick Warren, please visit pastorrick.com!
Develop an Attitude of Gratitude—and Change Everything!
If you’ve ever noticed that the more grateful someone is, the happier they are, it’s not a coincidence. Experts have discovered that gratitude reduces stress and leads to greater life satisfaction and overall happiness. It makes you healthier than any other emotion!
The Bible agrees—and God has a lot to say about developing an attitude of gratitude in your life. That’s why Pastor Rick developed a brand-new Bible study called The Power of Gratitude.
Through this innovative new study, you’ll discover how to defeat discouragement, conquer complaining, stay in God’s will, and experience his blessings—as you develop a lifelong habit of expressing your gratitude to God.
Pastor Rick’s new study, The Power of Gratitude, is our thanks for your gift to help Daily Hope take God’s Word to people all around the world, so ask for it when you give below!
Thank you for helping more people live with the hope of Jesus!
*The USA IRS code permits you to deduct the amount of your financial gift to Daily Hope that exceeds the fair market value of materials you received from Daily Hope.
This devotional © 2018 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
You can listen to Rick Warren on OnePlace.com.
