“The angel of the Lord came back a second time and touched him and said, “Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.” So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God.” —I Kings 19:7-8

I hung up a white t-shirt and noticed that it looked as tired as I felt. Our pepperoni stash is gone and we seem to be in short supply of patience as well. It’s been five hundred and fifty-five days since we were last in our home country. Special treats we brought back with us from our last visit home are long gone. We have not lost sight of why we came to live and serve here in Indonesia, but we are weary and ready to see loved ones, catch up with friends, and rest.

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As our first term overseas is coming to a close, I’ve been thinking about how I have seen God’s faithfulness in a million different ways. Three major moves while living here, learning a new language at the age of 50, and other challenges have provided fertile ground for growth and dependence on the Lord. I have been to the end of myself countless times yet always He provides the overflowing grace that keeps me walking. Friends and family back home have held us up in prayer and made it possible for us to be obedient to God’s call overseas.

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I love the reminder from the verses in I Kings about how God cares for Elijah in his weariness. Though sometimes we need to just keep moving, He provides times when we need to let Him care for us … and just rest.

I’m so glad He remains faithful and true, aren’t you? Has there been a time in your life where you found Him meeting you in your weariness?