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TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep. All at once an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.” He looked around, and there by his head was some bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again. 1 Kings 19:5-6

Read: 1 Kings 19:5-9
Listen: 1 Kings 19

TODAY’S MESSAGE

Elijah makes some pretty bold requests to God. He wants to give up to the extent that he even requests that God would end his life. Yet God responds to Elijah’s plea with grace and not judgment. God gives Elijah a couple of good gifts—some nutritious and delicious bread and a nap. While Elijah was still wallowing in a deep low, God graciously cares for Elijah and helps him press on.

God’s love is like the rays of the sun. Sometimes clouds may roll in that shade our view, but the sun is still shining. Likewise, the trials of life may prevent us from fully seeing, understanding or appreciating God’s love and care for us. Yet his love for us is an eternal reality. The sun is always shining, and God always cares for his people (even if we don’t understand all God is up to). Mature believers have trained themselves to see and remember God’s love and care, much like we see and remember the sun’s warming rays. When the storms or trials of life come, we can remain grounded in the truth of God’s love and care, even when life remains challenging.

IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY

Consider some of the ways God has recently cared for you. Spend time journaling about God’s care of you physically, emotionally and spiritually. After considering some of the ways God has provided for you, spend more time thanking God for his love and care.

2023 SPIRITUAL PRACTICES

Join us all of 2023 developing a different spiritual practice each month. SPIRITUAL PRACTICES are intentional regular activities to deepen our relationship with God and mold us to be more like Jesus.

September is COMMUNITY. Keep track of our spiritual practices at beyondtheweekend.org/spiritualpractices.

Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.