What do you think of when I say the words bread and water? Most associate that phrase with punishment – the prisoners were put on bread and water. Perhaps, some would consider it a minimalist or impoverished diet.
What if I told you that it is quite the opposite? It is a meal that gives strength and builds stamina.
In my Bible reading this morning the Lord reminded me of the prophet Elijah. Because of the wickedness of King Ahab of Israel, the Lord used Elijah to announce there would be no rain in the land. Without rain, famine came. Ahab’s wife had the prophets of the Lord killed and fed the prophets of Baal at her table each day.
The land was in physical and spiritual famine.
At the end of three years, Elijah met Ahab and called the prophets of Baal to a challenge. The challenge would prove which god was really the true God. In the end the Lord used Elijah to wipe out the prophets of Baal and rain returned to the land. (You’ve got to read the story for yourselves. It’s in I Kings 18)
Jezebel pronounces a death sentence on Elijah. Says he’ll be dead within 24 hours, if she has her way. Elijah flees for safety. Yes, he was running scared.
But God…
sends an angel.
“ When Elijah heard this, he was afraid. So he ran away to save his life… 4 and walked for a whole day into the desert. Then he sat down under a bush and asked to die. He said, “I have had enough, Lord! Take my life. I am no better than my ancestors.”
5 Then Elijah lay down under the bush and went to sleep. An angel came to him and touched him. The angel said, “Get up and eat!” 6 Elijah looked around, and by his head there was a cake that had been baked over coals and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then went back to sleep.” I Kings 19:3-6 ERV
The angel came a second time and said, “Get up and eat! If you don’t, you will not be strong enough to make the long trip.” 8 So Elijah got up. He ate and drank and felt strong. Then Elijah walked for 40 days and nights to Mount Horeb, the mountain of God.” verse 7 & 8
Now, I grant you this was a supernatural intervention from the Lord, but, we have God’s promise to strengthen us in this day and age.
“ Christ is the one who gives me the strength I need to do whatever I must do.” Philippians 4:13 ERV
Jesus said of Himself when He was here on earth. “I AM the bread of life” and He also said that “If anyone believes in me, rivers of living water will flow out from their heart. That is what the Scriptures say.” (John 7:38)
My question to you is this, are you feeling tired, weary, stressed, scared, exhausted?
Take a cue from Elijah – get away from the confliction but don’t run in fear. Rest. Then feed on the bread of life and let your soul be nourished by the living water that He places within you.
Be thankful because in Christ we have all the strength we need to face down any threatening circumstances that come against us.