Beyond the Weekend: Correcting Spiritual Drift
In Correcting Spiritual Drift, Pastors Jeff Manion and Aaron Buer explore stories from the lives of the Old Testament prophets Elijah and Elisha. This series helps us see the pull toward spiritual drift and motivates us to fight against it. Through the stories, we see God continuing to work and call all people to him even as the people of Israel drift spiritually.
Week 1 Verses: 1 KINGS 16:29–33, 17:1
Week 2 Verses: I KINGS 18:30–39
Week 3 Verses: I KINGS 18:30–39
Week 4 Verses: I KINGS 19:1–6
Week 5 Verses: I KINGS 19:19–21
Week 6 Verses: 2 KINGS 6:8-21
Week 7 Verses: 2 KINGS 4:8–17
Week 8 Verses: 2 KINGS 5:1-10
Radical Generosity
TODAY'S SCRIPTURE
“As surely as the Lord your God lives,” she replied, “I don’t have any bread—only a handful of flour in a jar and a little olive oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it—and die.” 1 Kings 17:12
Read: 1 Kings 17:8-16
Listen: 1 Kings 17:8-16
TODAY'S MESSAGE
Today’s verse is one of the most heart-wrenching statements in the Bible. Starving. Exhausted. Hopeless. The widow at Zarephath is preparing the final meal for herself and her son. The drought was about to claim two more victims.
But then God’s prophet asks this desperate woman to do something unbelievable. In the face of common sense and survival, Elijah asks her for food. Food she doesn’t have. With no food to spare and clinging to life, amazingly she gives away the food she needs to survive. Elijah says to her, “Don’t be afraid.”
Fear is a natural response when we give something away. When we give it away, it isn’t ours anymore. And that can be scary. But it’s in those times that God calls us to trust him. When giving away money means the budget will be tight. When offering forgiveness means being vulnerable. When moving towards a spouse risks misunderstanding.
Trusting God, especially when all evidence points to not, allows God to be God by strengthening our relationship with him. It also corrects spiritual drift. So follow Elijah’s advice, “Don’t be afraid.”
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
Identify the one area in which you need to trust God. When you do, tell a trusted friend or spiritual advisor. Ask them to hold you accountable over the next month. Over coffee or lunch, spend some time talking about your growth (or challenges) in trusting God. Celebrate your victories and continue to pray about your challenges.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
