The Uncomfortable Path to a Miracle - Daily Hope with Rick Warren - January 28, 2021
2021Jan 28
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.
For more Daily Hope with Rick Warren, please visit pastorrick.com!
Build a Firm Foundation of Prayer in the Next Generation!
“Perhaps the most important role you can play in the life of a child is teaching them to trust God through prayer. It’s the key to living with hope.” —Pastor Rick
That’s why it’s so important to strengthen the hope of kids by introducing them to Jesus’ model for prayer at an early age. And we’re excited to help you do that with Pastor Rick’s children’s book, The Lord’s Prayer: Words of Hope and Happiness.
Filled with thoughtful insights from Pastor Rick as well as stunning illustrations from award-winning artist, Richard Jesse Watson, this book brings the poetic scripture from the King James Version alive for readers young and old. It’s sure to become a meaningful bedtime ritual, a treasured memory, and by God’s grace, a legacy that bears good fruit for generations to come.
This book is a perfect way to share the beauty and richness of The Lord’s Prayer with the children the Lord has placed in your life. And it’s our thanks for your gift below to help Daily Hope take the Good News to more people everywhere. So please request a copy for yourself or a friend today, and thanks for your generosity!
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