As a farm owner, it’s all too easy to slip into isolation, getting lost in the demands of construction and the life-and-death realities of caring for our chickens. With timelines, due dates, and delays, it can feel overwhelming. 🐣💔 During these tough times, I’ve learned the importance of seeking extra support through therapy sessions, heartfelt prayers, or open conversations with my family. Sometimes, I need to step away from social media and breathe. I find solace in walking, running errands, or simply spending time with my birds instead of working. The purpose is to find joy and appreciation for the blessings of the present day. Embracing these moments of calm helps me recharge and navigate the challenges ahead.
Lately, I’ve been navigating a challenging part of the Bible. It’s not always uplifting; sometimes, I feel like giving up. Yet, I persist in reading to deepen my understanding of God’s character. I’ve grown weary of the character of people and the world around us. The book of 1 Kings illustrates that a life filled with riches yet devoid of God is ultimately unfulfilling.
In these moments, I often find myself returning to Psalm 23, finding comfort in its words.
I also reflect on old journals to remind myself how God has guided me through difficult times. Even when things don’t unfold as I hope or feel I need them to be, I have to trust that He will continue to be with me.
Then I kept reading, even though I wanted to procrastinate and or push back continuing reading. 1 Kings 17 & 18 gives you the storyline of Mrs. Zarephath and Elijah.
The Life Application Study Bible offers a breakdown of the passages. I highlighted a few that spoke to me.
17: 6-16: God often gives help from places we least expect it. He provides for us in ways that go beyond our narrow definitions or expectations. No matter how bitter our trials or how seemingly hopeless the situation, if we are always on the lookout for Go’s loving care, we will find it – and sometimes in some strange places! – Life Application Study Bible. Pg. 733
1 King : 17: 17: Even when God has done a miracle in our lives, more testing may come, and more faith may be needed. The famine was devastating to the faithful widow and her son, but losing her son was far worse. We can rejoice when God provides, but we must depend on him as we face each new trial.” – Life Application Study Bible. Pg. 734
1 King : 18: 36 -38 : “God flashed fire from heaven for Elijah. He will also help us accomplish what he commands us to do. The proof may not be as dramatic in our lives as in Elijah’s, but God will make resources available to us in creative ways to accomplish his purposes. He will give us the wisdom to raise a family, the courage to take a stand for truth, or the means to provide help for someone in need. Like Elijah, we can have faith that in whatever God commands us to do, he will provide what we need to carry it through.” – Life Application Study Bible, pg. 738