This week’s message, part of “Rise of the Royals,” moved from extended worship into a focused call to live an “action by faith” life. Centering on 1 Samuel 16, Abrianna unpacked the phrase “an evil spirit from the Lord,” argued that God does not send evil, and showed how Jesus and the apostles interpret such passages. She then pressed the church to see every believer as a minister, to “rightly divide” Scripture, and to carry the message of reconciliation everywhere. The service closed with public prayer, prophetic encouragement, and a fresh commissioning.
Link to Sermon Notes HERE!
Church isn’t meant to be a once-a-week experience — the Word keeps walking with us through the week.
Welcome back, friends 🤍
Over the next few days, we’re going to continue sitting with this week’s message together through scripture, reflection, prayer, journaling, and practical application. My hope is that these devotionals help us slow down, stay rooted, and carry Sunday’s revelation into everyday life. Let’s dive in!
Day 3: Not Alone Here
But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.
And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat.
And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head. And he did eat and drink, and laid him down again.
And the angel of the LORD came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee.
And he arose, and did eat and drink, and went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God.
Yesterday we stayed with Paul and Silas at midnight, (click here for that post) learning to praise before the outcome changed. Today that same journey moves into the quieter ache that often follows the song, the weariness of carrying on when the answer still seems delayed.
You know that place within yourself that still holds unusual tenderness. God has not gone anywhere. He has been right there, every step of the way. For the tired heart, that is not a small comfort. It is survival. When isolation whispers that no one sees, the Spirit answers that the Father remains near.
Even without a single verse printed here, the truth running through Sunday’s service is deeply biblical. The God who keeps covenant does not abandon His people in the desert, in the cave, in the prison, or in the assignment. Again and again in Scripture, the Lord does not merely command endurance from a distance. He sustains. He feeds Elijah when he is depleted. He strengthens David in hidden places. He meets Paul in suffering. God's presence is not poetic decoration. It is active, preserving mercy. His nearness does not always remove the hard place immediately, but it does mean the hard place is not empty.
That matters for weariness and isolation.
Sometimes exhaustion makes everything feel personal, as if silence means God has stepped away. Sometimes loneliness becomes a false narrator, telling you that you are forgotten, unsupported, or left to figure yourself out alone. But the Lord's sustaining care means you do not have to generate strength from yourself. You are not asked to fake energy, deny pain, or pretend the assignment is light. You are invited to be held. The same God you worship in the sanctuary is the God who keeps you in the hidden hour, feeds your inner life, and gives grace for the next faithful step.
So today, do not just admire God's faithfulness. Receive it. Slow down long enough to tell Him exactly where you feel worn thin, alone, or tempted to stop. Then ask Him for today's portion, not next month's strength, just today's bread, today's peace, today's help. Let His Word feed you before other voices do. If God has truly remained beside you, what would it look like to stop striving for one moment and let yourself be sustained by Him today?
Let’s pray
Heavenly Father, You are steady, near, and unfailing. You are the God who does not leave Your children to carry life alone, and I praise You for Your sustaining presence.
I confess that I often let weariness speak louder than truth. I admit that I can believe I am alone, forgotten, or responsible to hold myself together without resting in You.
Thank You for Your mercy that keeps meeting me. Thank You for Jesus, who opened the way for me to come near, and for Your Spirit, who remains with me in every hidden and heavy place.
Holy Spirit, help me receive Your care today. Quiet the lies of isolation, feed me with Your Word, and give me strength for my assignment.
Teach me to rest in Your nearness and trust Your daily provision. Amen.
See you tomorrow!
