Author Darlene J. Conard

“Lord, I don’t even know who I am anymore,” slipped out of my mouth as I turned over in bed. Sliding my hand beneath my pillows I felt around for my Bible. Found it! God’s promise is to guide us through situations when we ask.

 I’ve learned this about God; He doesn’t always deliver us from the fiery trial. Instead, He nominates us to enter in. Proceed to go forward. There is no exit. One morning leaning against my kitchen sink I asked God, “How am I going to get through this Lord? I’m hurting, it’s so deep it’s affecting everything I do!” Pain and I know each other very well; however, I know my God too.

God answered my question with this, “Grace, you’re going to come through with My grace.”  

This morning I opened my Bible to 1 Kings 17:9-16. Elijah prophesied, no rain, not even dew would dampen Gilead for three years.” You can imagine the devastation that news brought. Ahab’s sinful actions angered God. (1 Kings 16:30-31) Yes, it does sound unfair that the ones who feared the Lord suffered because of one man. Matthew 5:45 is plain, … “for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.”

God instructed Elijah to hide himself by the brook Cherith, before Jordan. There He provided food delivered by a raven morning and evening. Elijah drank flow from the brook until it eventually dried up.  Jehovah Jireh which means God will provide, could have easily caused water to spring up. Someone else had a need. Hardship can be twofold. Paul said, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28 KJV)

He rises and goes forth to Zarephath. Upon his arrival he saw a widow gathering sticks. “Fetch me I pray thee a little water in a vessel, that I may drink. On her way to get the vessel of water, he requested a morsel of bread. She only had a handful of meal and little oil. He assured her the Lord would provide. Her priority was to believe the Lord would do what He says He will do. Her obedience brought a blessing. The whole house received nourishment for many days, nothing wasted.

Getting back to not knowing who I am anymore. I discovered a little nugget in this. We don’t come out of the fire the same way we entered. Transformation blossoms when we least expect it.

Give Him your little and watch Him make it big!

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