Pizza and the Prophet

So, I have these friends in Atlanta named Rocky and Cindy Pizza...yes, you did hear their name right. I think the more proper enunciation is "peeeeeeeza". They have been long-time friends of ours. Rocky has been a dear brother in my journey and walk. I deeply value his friendship, honesty, and support.

Cindy, though, has a real sense of insight, discernment and tenderness. Recently, Cindy was reading through a book on Elijah by Chuck Swindoll and she thought of us. She emailed us to share this and encourage us in the ministry. Very thoughtful and encouraging. Amazing how God places someone on your heart for a reason. We never realize how, what we might call "small obedience", can really be huge for someone else.

So, those who know me...know my fascination and love for books. Any time someone mentions a book or quote to me...my immediate thought is "I have to get that book". I guess that is why our garage is filled with books. When we got the email from Cindy, I went to the garage and remembered i had the book already.

So. over the last few weeks, Melody and I have been studying and digesting this book together. Been great for our marriage to read and talk about things. And God has been speaking some strong truths through the story of Elijah. We are going through this, a chapter at a time, and journaling how it hits us.

The chapter I am working through right now relates to Elijah at the brook. This is where he is led by God to spend time in "hiddenness" down by the brook. And then comes the verse "...and the brook dried up." I have been thinking on that statement a lot. There are a lot of ways that the brook dries up in our life. For me, when this happens, I find myself saying "Ok, God, you led us here...now why are you letting things get so bad? Won't you do something? Don't you care? HELP!!!"

Swindoll's insight that really is hitting me right now...A dried-up brook is often a sign of God's pleasure, not disappointment, in your life. Now, I may have known that truth somewhere in my head and heart...but I needed to see it on paper. So, I am learning to embrace the loneliness and emptiness of the brook drying up. A lot of times God's plan and provision emerge out of the dried-up brooks. Now, that is something to think on...

So, God continues to DELIVER truth in my life...and he used someone with the name "Pizza" to do it. A slice of truth can go a long way in feeding the soul. Now that's soul food...