From Hardship to Hope

Nuggets of Wisdom* “I found key times throughout the day to give myself permission to grieve.”* “Lean into Jesus. Lean into the grief and let myself feel.”* “Express what you’re feeling.”* “Ask for help.”* “Pray. Pray, pray, pray.”* “Surrender it all to Jesus.”* “People may hurt us, but people also help heal us.”About the AuthorAmy Robnik Joob is an award-winning author, certified life coach, and empowerment speaker. Amy is commissioning pioneers through her Arise and Flourish and Arising Author coaching programs.Amy has weathered her own grief storm along with her family and relocated to southwest Florida recently after decades of living in Chicagoland. Her mission is to bring hope and healing to others and see them fulfill their God-given destiny!Amy’s newest book, Arise from Grief & Flourish Again, launched in the Fall of 2025 and went to #1 on Amazon as a Best-Seller and Hot New Release.Visit Amazon to order a copy of Arise From Grief & Flourish Again—or, listen to it on Kindle. You can contact Amy at [email protected] or connect with her on Instagram, FB, or LinkedIn.As always, feel free to reach out to Tammy with your prayer requests or for more information about life/mental health coaching or inner healing prayer at [email protected]. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tammykennington.substack.com/subscribe

Nuggets of Wisdom * “I needed mature Christian women around me to say, “I love you. I am sorry. This is really hard.”* “The enemy thought he was going to derail me. And God was like, ‘I will not waste this.’ “* “I try to make sure that rather than going into spiritual mother mode...(I ask) how can I love you in this season?”* “Pray and ask the Lord to give you wisdom on who is safe community.”* “God has always been faithful to show me His nearness.”* “I believe that hope is active. I can stare at my circumstances, or I can gaze at God.”* “God invites us to participate and hope—even when we’re going through heavy things.”About the AuthorAmy Eaton is an author, speaker, and encourager whose work centers on helping women find hope in Christ through life’s hardest seasons. Her book, Hope When It’s Heavy, offers a gentle, honest walk through suffering anchored in God’s faithfulness. With experience in ministry, psychology, and human resources, Amy brings insight and authenticity to conversations on spiritual resilience, emotional health, and trusting God in the everyday.You can connect with Amy at amyeatonauthor.com, or at @amyeatonauthor on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTokBe sure to pick up your copy of Amy’s book, Hope When It’s Heavy. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tammykennington.substack.com/subscribe

“Sometimes you just need those sweet little truths. Those sweet little, one-sentence Bible verses.”“It’s a mental battle—dividing that line between what I’m feeling and what is fact.”“While our emotions and our feelings can often give us insight to what is going on inside of us, they are not the truth to hold onto.”“Those feelings are real, but they aren’t reliable.”“God is not going to mess up His plan.”“There is great peace and rest knowing someone else has control of this.”About the AuthorYou can order Valerie’s book, Beneath the Hood, on Amazon. Or, follow her on Instagram. What about today’s episode impacted you? What is one practical step will you take today that will help you, a friend, or family member? Reach out and let Tammy know at [email protected]. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tammykennington.substack.com/subscribe

Nuggets of Wisdom “He doesn’t give us grace in advance of what we’re going to need. He gives us grace for today. Grace for the moment.”“I realized there was a huge connection between joy and purpose in suffering.”“Whatever you’re going through—even a terminal illness—you can trust the One who died for you.”“My focus was, ‘Alright, Lord, how are you going to use this?”“That conversation brought Job to the point where even if he didn’t know the purpose, He knew the God of purpose.”“There are no lone rangers in the body of Christ. We’re connected.”“I’m going to trust You no matter the outcome. I purpose to trust You.”“There’s always a deeper level of intimacy.”“That doesn’t mean we walk through life plastering on a fake smile and pretending everything’s wonderful. We have to be real with each other.”Don’t miss our next episode of From Hardship to Hope!Connect with AvaAva Pennington is an author, speaker, freelance editor, and certified coach. Her newest book is Flourish: Grace-Centered Practices to Protect and Grow a Fruitful Life in Christ (Kregel). Other books include Reflections on the Names of God (Revell) and 2 children’s books. She has written for Christian periodicals and contributed to 30+ Chicken Soup for the Soul books. Ava also teaches a weekly Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) class of 200+ women and is an inspirational speaker. Learn more at www.AvaPennington.com.Or, follow Ava on Facebook, X, or Instagram. You can also find a copy of her beautiful book on Amazon. Join Tammy on From Hardship to Hope in two weeks when she speaks with author, Valerie Fentress, about managing post-partum depression. I am praying this episode ministered to your heart.Peace and grace,TammyThanks for listening! Please share this episode if you know of someone who might benefit from its message. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tammykennington.substack.com/subscribe

Nuggets of Wisdom“The Lord taught me to begin to relinquish that dream to Him so that He could replace that dream with a better dream, a better plan, or he could affirm and confirm that was his dream for me.”“As we begin to ask the Lord, ‘In my pain, God, will you use me to bring joy and encouragement to others?’ That is not a prayer He will overlook.”“I began to see there was something in this journey. This barren season could bring joy.”“Ian helped others bridge this issue of racial reconciliation. It’s been a beautiful thing to witness.”“You are good, and what You do is good.” (Psalm 119:68)“When we praise in the midst of pain, it’s our ladder out of despair.”“It brings some sort of joy and peace to the journey of pain when you can see you are actually being used to help others walk through their own.”Don’t miss an episode! Subscribe to receive more hope in your inbox. Connect with MaureenMaureen Miller is an award-winning author with stories in numerous collaboratives. She contributes to Guideposts’ All God’s Creatures, her local newspaper, and several online devotion sites. Married for thirty-six years to her childhood sweetheart Bill, they live on Selah Farm, a hobby homestead nestled in the mountains of western North Carolina. She blogs at Windows and Wallflowers (maureenmillerauthor.com)—telling of God’s extraordinary character in the ordinary of life. Her debut novel, Gideon’s Book, is now available.Thanks for listening to today’s episode. If you need someone to pray with you, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Remember to subscribe so you don’t miss any upcoming episodes or author updates, freebies, and hope-filled words.Peace and grace,Tammy This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tammykennington.substack.com/subscribe

Nuggets of Wisdom* “The only one that can fix us is the One that created us.”* “Do we keep fighting to save it, or do we cut the loss and go forward clean?”* “Don’t be afraid. We gotcha. You’re going to be okay.”* “Joy isn’t circumstantial. Joy is a heart attitude or heart posture.”* “Anchor into what is never gonna move. And the only thing that never changes—ever, ever—is Jesus.”Author BioSheila Preston Fitzgerald is alive today only by the Grace of God. A near-death motorcycle accident that should have taken her life, instead, filled this godly woman with a passion larger than life itself. Sheila’s love of people, love of life, and most importantly her love for Jesus, radiates in all she does. Sheila is the author of “One Foot in Heaven”; the miraculous true story of finding hope in the hopeless, and a new devotional book series, “Foot Notes ~ Adventures With Jesus.” She has appeared on numerous TV, video, and podcast shows shining the light of Jesus around the world. You can connect with Sheila at http://www.sheilaprestonfitzgerald.com/ or pick up a copy of One Foot in Heaven. Sign Up for a Free 30-Minute Coaching CallAre you struggling with difficult circumstances? A strained relationship? Anxiety or burnout? Schedule a free, 30-minute coaching call with Tammy. Dually trained as a life and mental health coach, Tammy specializes in inner healing prayer and loves walking alongside women in their journeys. She combines faith-based guidance and personalized support to help you achieve lasting change.Peace and grace,Tammy This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tammykennington.substack.com/subscribe

Nuggets of Wisdom* You can have confidence while shaking in your boots.* if we’re fearful, he will meet us in those fears, too.* Look for the doors of opportunity.Bible Study PDFDeborah Rutherford is a poet, author, and podcaster dedicated to sharing hope and encouragement. She speaks from the experience of being a redeemed prodigal daughter, using her life as a vibrant testament to God’s unwavering love and transformative grace. Deborah is also an award-winning makeup artist and the voice behind the Behold-Her Beauty Podcast and the author of Unexpected Blessings:40 Days of Discovering God’s Best and the new poetry collection Prodigal Daughter: Poems of Light for the Lost Ones (The Way Back Books 2025). When she’s not writing, she loves being a wife to Don, singing old hymns, and taking long walks in nature.LINKS:https://deborahrutherford.comhttps://www.instagram.com/deborahrutherfordwrites/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tammykennington.substack.com/subscribe

Nuggets of Wisdom* Esther teaches us what to WEAR to a crisis—Working with othersEradicating the (spiritual) EnemyActing wiselyRemembering who you are* If He has a plan, He provides.* The B in bold reminds me to be on the lookout.O means being open to whatever is in your hand.The L in bold means to let the Holy Spirit lead.The D means to put down any lies of the Devil.Author BioMarlene Houk is an author, speaker, and teacher who merged her strong background in church training with a degree in ministry to pursue a study of women in the Bible and for more than ten years she has read, researched, and analyzed their multifaceted stories and their messages to us.Connect with Marlene Houk* Website* [email protected]* 30 Essentials for Emotional Resilience (Affiliate Link) This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tammykennington.substack.com/subscribe

Nuggets of Wisdom* God's Word and His promises became the anchor and the things I stood on in themiddle of the battle.* It was a spiritual battle.The enemy comes to seek, kill and destroy.And that was my aha moment—when I realized I wasn't fighting against my children. I was fighting against a spiritual battle.* The key essential weapon is prayer.* It's the blood of Christ that can change everything.* God chose you,whether you adopted that child or whether it is your child by birth,that you are a steward of God's masterpiece.* I had to learn a new level of surrender.in my own life to God.Laine Lawson CraftIntroducing Laine Lawson Craft—best-selling, award-winning author, TV, and podcast host based in sunny Fort Walton Beach, Florida. More than a devoted wife and mom, she’s a powerhouse of hope, turning life’s impossible into breathtaking realities. Her newest book, Warfare Parenting: A Daily Battle Plan to Fight for Your Child, is a 365-day comprehensive daily devotional that combines scriptural insights, practical guidance, and powerful prayers to equip parents in their spiritual battle for their children’s lives. Each daily reading offers hope, inspiration, and Biblical strategies, helping parents maintain their faith and strength while navigating challenges, including substance abuse, legal troubles, rebellion, and faith struggles. Written by bestselling author, winner of the 2023 Nonfiction Book of the Year with her book, The Parent’s Battle Plan: Warfare Strategies to Win Back Your Prodigal, and a top-rated podcast host of the Warfare Parenting Podcast in the top 10% globally, all of these resources draw from both Biblical wisdom and personal experience.Emerging from a near-collapsed marriage and financial hardship, Laine understands firsthand the transformative power of faith. Her real-life victories over spiritual warfare resonate, turning her into a magnet for parents seeking guidance and solace.In her highly acclaimed book, “The Parent’s Battle Plan: Warfare Strategies to Win Back Your Prodigal,” Laine lays bare her spiritual toolkit that brought her own prodigal children back to the fold. The book recently clinched the prestigious 2023 Nonfiction Book of the Year Golden Scroll Award, adding to her growing list of accolades like CAN Awards, Illumination Awards, and being a Selah Award Finalist.Connect with Laine* Website-https://lainelawsoncraft.com/* Warfare Parenting Freebie* Warfare Parenting:A Daily Battle Plan to Fight for Your Child – Comfort for the Parent of a Rebellious Child (Laine Lawson Craft)Is your child on a prodigal journey? I keep an ongoing list of those who’ve wandered off the path or don’t yet know the Lord. Feel free to share your loved one’s first name if you’d like me to keep them in my prayers. I would be honored.Peace and grace,TammyP.S. I strive to offer encouragement, biblical truth, and hope to women navigating life’s challenges. At times, I may share books, products, or resources through affiliate links if I believe they are worth your time and investment.If you choose to purchase through one of these links, I may earn a (teeny-tiny) commission at no additional cost to you. I will never promote a book or resource that made me think, “meh.” This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tammykennington.substack.com/subscribe

Companion Bible Study for Today’s EpisodeScripture Reading PlanCalled for This Moment-Living Your Esther SeasonNuggets of Wisdom* It's going to be different, but there is a whole second act. This is a time to look back at what you did well...and move into your next thing.* What are you going to do to build the Kingdom now?* I heard the Lord speak in my spirit. He said three words, "Am I enough?" I heard Him say, "I Am." And at that moment, the burden lifted. I remember saying, "Lord, if You don't give me one more thing in my life, You are enough.* Pray. Pray. Pray. That's our best weapon.* Don't be afraid of what God may have for you.* It's not an empty nest. It can be an empty next.* The impossible is God's comfort zone.* Figure out what the next thing is and then step into it with courage.About Kate BattestelliKate Battestelli is an author, speaker, podcaster, and former actress from the Broadway theatre world. Her heart’s passion is to equip you to walk into your unique hand-picked destiny, trust Jesus with your future, and give you the courage to move fully into your next chapter.Connect with Kate Kate’s website or Instagram account.The After Party of the Empty NestMy Utmost for His HighestWhat does your Esther season look like right now? How can I pray for you?Until next time,TammyP.S. Don’t miss this month’s fabulous book bundle giveaway! Enter by August 30th.P.P.S. I strive to offer encouragement, biblical truth, and hope to women navigating life’s challenges. At times, I may share books, products, or resources through affiliate links if I believe they are worth your time and investment.If you choose to purchase through one of these links, I may earn a (teeny-tiny) commission at no additional cost to you. I will never promote a book or resource that made me think, “meh.” This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tammykennington.substack.com/subscribe

Nuggets of Wisdom* Esther models what it means to lead with discernment.* Influence is not always loud.* Printable Scripture Plan and Journaling Prompts This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tammykennington.substack.com/subscribe

That's my prayer for you.You are positioned on purpose for such a time as this.Maybe this is your Esther moment,and maybe this season will be what gives you courage to say yes.We invite you to subscribe and share this podcast with a friend who needs it.Perhaps journal through Esther for this week.Pray about where God might be calling you to act in faith.So thank you for joining me.I'm Tammy Kennington, and this is From Hardship to Hope.Until next time, keep holding on to His promises.Download your free printable scripture reading plan and journaling prompts. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tammykennington.substack.com/subscribe

Download one month’s worth of free prayer prompts. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tammykennington.substack.com/subscribe

Click the link and let me know how I can come alongside you in future seasons, articles, and posts.https://tammykennington.substack.com/i/161934271/how-can-i-come-alongside-youPeace and grace,Tammy This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tammykennington.substack.com/subscribe

Have you lost a loved one? Do you long for the sound of their laugh? The inside jokes? Moments only shared by the two of you? Whether you know the pain of losing a beloved spouse, child, parent, or other precious one, you know the loneliness the loss of that dear one’s presence creates. Today’s guest understands your heartache and offers practical strategies to help you manage, cope, and move ahead. International author and speaker Haddasah Treu shares about her painful experience with loneliness after the unexpected loss of her husband and how her faith in the Lord gave her hope and direction.Listen in to hear more of her story.Nuggets of Wisdom * I needed human presence.* Connect to the Lord, connect with people, and engage in meaningful and joyful activities.* I still don’t have the answers, but I have peace.* Healing is a messy process.* We need the empathy of someone. We don’t need solutions or answers.* Every one of us should take responsibility for…his or her own thoughts, our own feelings, our own decisions, and not make somebody else responsible for our well being or our happiness.* Turn to the Lord…He’s our life and He’s the source of life.More About HadassahHadassah Treu is an award-winning international author of "DRAW NEAR: How Painful Experiences Become the Birthplace of Blessings," freelance writer, poet, speaker, and motivator, living in Bulgaria. She loves encouraging people to draw near to God in the dark valleys of life. From the platform of her greatest pains equipped with lessons gathered on the way, she delivers a powerful message of comfort and hope, found in God’s Word.Hadassah is a contributing author to several faith-based platforms like Proverbs 31 Compel Blog, and 13 devotional and poetry anthologies. She has been featured in The Upper Room, (In)Courage, Proverbs 31 Ministries, Today's Christian Living, Living by Design Ministries, and many other popular sites and podcasts. Read a chapter for free from Hadassah's book here.LINKSWebsite:https://onthewaybg.com/Join my community:https://subscribepage.io/joinmycommunityFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/onthewaybg/X:https://x.com/onthewaybgPinterest:https://www.pinterest.at/onthewaybg/YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@hadassahtreu-authorMedium:https://medium.com/@hadassah.treuAmazon:https://www.amazon.com/Treu-Hadassah/Draw Near Book:https://a.co/d/gWfmBE3Gumroad Shop: https://hadassahtreu.gumroad.com/Draw Near This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tammykennington.substack.com/subscribe

(00:00:02):If you're thinking you'll always be stuck in loneliness,(00:00:05):I have an amazing guest who shares practical steps you can take today to help you cope,(00:00:12):overcome,(00:00:12):and draw closer to God.(00:00:15):I'm talking about the lovely Julia Fisk,(00:00:18):nationally board-certified health and wellness coach,(00:00:20):functional medicine-certified health coach,(00:00:23):award-winning author,(00:00:24):podcaster,(00:00:26):speaker,(00:00:26):and creator of the Dear Food program.(00:00:29):I'm so glad you're joining us today.(00:00:58):Bye.(00:01:05):Well, Julia, welcome.(00:01:06):I'm so excited to have you join us here on From Hardship to Hope today.(00:01:10):I can't wait for the listeners to hear from you and all you have to share.(00:01:17):Would you tell us a little bit about what role your faith has played in helping you(00:01:22):navigate feelings of loneliness and how others can lean on their faith in similar circumstances?(00:01:30):Yes, hi.(00:01:30):Well, it's so great to be here today.(00:01:32):And my faith is everything for me when it comes to loneliness.(00:01:37):I love the Lord Jesus.(00:01:39):I have loved Jesus since I was five years old.(00:01:41):And so one of the verses that has meant something to me from a child,(00:01:46):even till now,(00:01:48):is in Matthew 28,(00:01:50):20,(00:01:50):when he said,(00:01:50):Lo,(00:01:51):I am with you always,(00:01:52):even to the end of the age.(00:01:54):And I would cling to that in lonely moments as a youth.(00:01:57):And(00:01:57):a teenager and in college and as a young mom,(00:02:02):just knowing that Jesus is alive and he loves me and he is with me and he promised(00:02:07):to be with me always and forever.(00:02:10):So being able to cling to that is an amazing gift as a child of God.(00:02:16):What a beautiful verse to remind ourselves of the love he has for us.(00:02:23):Would you share a little bit from your story about a specific moment or season in(00:02:28):your life when you felt the most isolated?(00:02:34):Well, I have had several moments in my life where I've felt isolated.(00:02:40):When I think about it, I think that I can be isolated for different reasons.(00:02:45):So sometimes I'm isolated because I'm physically stranded in a place with no one(00:02:51):around and I can't get community.(00:02:54):And I remember this so well when I was a new mom and my husband and I adopted twins(00:03:01):who were born at 26 and a half weeks and(00:03:04):And all of a sudden,(00:03:06):we got the call that we were chosen to be parents for these beautiful twin girls.(00:03:13):And we went to the hospital and learned that there was a very traumatic situation(00:03:20):with their birth and that everything was fine,(00:03:24):but they weren't eating.(00:03:26):And so we ended up putting some G-tubes into their bellies before we left the(00:03:32):hospital because they didn't eat.(00:03:34):And we went home, and we were at home with new twins, and we were gavage feeding them.(00:03:42):You put an open tube, and then you pour the milk into their stomach.(00:03:46):So we had this whole setup for being able to feed the girls, but they also were throwing up.(00:03:52):And RSV was going around that year, so we couldn't have anybody over.(00:03:58):So my husband and I were very isolated at home with this very difficult situation.(00:04:04):challenging and new situation and i remember one of my friends walked in the door(00:04:09):to say hi and encourage me look at the situation we had plastic on the floor(00:04:15):because they were vomiting and and we were feeding them and we were crazy and i(00:04:19):don't think i had slept in weeks and um i'm exaggerating i had slept a little bit(00:04:25):but and she just she looked she took one look and she walked out(00:04:30):it wasn't something that she could process at all.(00:04:34):And that can happen,(00:04:35):right,(00:04:36):when we're in a really,(00:04:37):really traumatic,(00:04:38):stressful situation of the death of a loved one or a sickness diagnosis,(00:04:43):or in my case,(00:04:45):you know,(00:04:45):care for special needs babies.(00:04:48):Like people around us, some friends can stay and some friends just can't.(00:04:53):And that's okay.(00:04:53):That's their journey.(00:04:55):And we accept that.(00:04:56):But(00:04:56):what do we do when we're so isolated?(00:04:59):And so my husband and I were together in this, but my friends had kind of disappeared.(00:05:08):There were a few that were able to help now and then,(00:05:10):and they would come over and let me take a nap,(00:05:13):and I'm so thankful to them.(00:05:15):And what I did was I prayed for God to give me(00:05:19):some help and some support.(00:05:21):I asked him, I begged him.(00:05:23):And this is what I love about the Lord.(00:05:25):When we ask him for help and we go to him and ask for ideas or resources or something,(00:05:32):anything,(00:05:33):Lord,(00:05:33):and let me see it.(00:05:34):Let me

(00:00:45):Do you long for hope amid mental, emotional, or everyday struggles?(00:00:49):Join mental health coach,(00:00:50):inner healing prayer warrior,(00:00:52):author,(00:00:53):and trauma survivor,(00:00:54):Tammy Kennington,(00:00:55):on From Hardship to Hope,(00:00:57):the podcast for Christian women navigating motherhood,(00:00:59):mental health,(00:01:00):or matters of faith.(00:01:02):If you need biblical support, encouragement, and actionable tips, this show is for you.(00:01:08):Welcome.(00:01:09):I'm your host, Tammy Kennington.(00:01:11):Today, we're discussing loneliness.(00:01:14):within the framework of Scripture.(00:01:17):We'll delve into the life of Elijah and consider some takeaways,(00:01:21):and at the end of the episode,(00:01:24):discuss specific ways to grow through and beyond loneliness.(00:01:29):So let's get started.(00:01:33):The article read,(00:01:35):Lonely old man in his 80s,(00:01:37):strong-bodied,(00:01:38):can shop,(00:01:38):cook,(00:01:39):and take care of himself.(00:01:41):No chronic illness.(00:01:43):I retired from a scientific research institute with a monthly pension of $946 a month.(00:01:50):My hope is that a kind-hearted person or family will adopt me,(00:01:53):nourish me through old age,(00:01:55):and bury my body when I'm dead.(00:01:58):This is taken from a 2021 news article written by a man named Han in China.(00:02:06):I often wonder about Han.(00:02:09):Did someone usher him into their family?(00:02:12):Did a Christian community invite him to church?(00:02:16):Did they meet his need for friendship, for companionship, for protection?(00:02:24):The book Project Unlonely by Dr. Jeremy Noble exposes what he terms the loneliness crisis.(00:02:31):And he notes that trauma,(00:02:33):aging,(00:02:34):illness,(00:02:34):and differences all contribute to loneliness,(00:02:39):one of the world's gravest social issues.(00:02:43):Yet we know from Scripture the story of loneliness is as old as time.(00:02:48):In Genesis 2 we read, Soon after Adam was created,(00:02:54):that God said it is not good for man to be alone.(00:02:57):We were made to commune with God and one another.(00:03:03):But after the fall, that need for companionship became altered.(00:03:11):Men no longer walked with God in the garden.(00:03:14):There was a gap in that relationship.(00:03:18):And the relationship between men and women was altered.(00:03:22):And we see that all throughout Adam's family with his sons having such struggle(00:03:30):that one rose up and killed the other.(00:03:34):That discomfort that loneliness brings with it reminds us of the importance of relationship.(00:03:42):Many people from Scripture also experience that same struggle,(00:03:46):and we can learn a lot from what the Bible records about them.(00:03:49):So today we're going to talk about one of the greatest prophets in the Old Testament, Elijah.(00:03:57):He was a powerful, influential man at the time.(00:04:00):He reprimanded King Ahab, who had let all of the northern kingdom of Israel into idolatry.(00:04:06):Elijah called fire down from heaven on Mount Carmel, yet he experienced acute loneliness.(00:04:14):In 1 Kings,(00:04:15):we discover that he was fearing for his life after revealing to Ahab that there(00:04:20):would be a famine in the land that would only end at his command.(00:04:26):The prophet, led by God, hid by the brook Cherith.(00:04:32):And out of curiosity, I looked up the meaning of that Hebrew word.(00:04:37):I discovered it means community of misfits and off the mainstream.(00:04:44):It intrigues me that God sent his faithful follower to a creek that reflected Elijah's light(00:04:52):Elijah didn't align with society's values.(00:04:55):In fact, he opposed the idolatry of those in the mainstream.(00:05:00):And I wonder how many of us feel like we've camped by the brook designated for(00:05:04):those swimming upstream.(00:05:06):Maybe you feel that way.(00:05:09):Maybe your family sees you as the Bible thumper.(00:05:14):Maybe you're the only Christian in your family.(00:05:17):Maybe you struggle to connect with co-workers because instead of using Jesus as a(00:05:24):curse word,(00:05:25):it's said in prayer.(00:05:28):Maybe you feel abandoned by a loved one.(00:05:35):Maybe you are lonely for a prodigal in your life.(00:05:42):A well-known author,(00:05:43):Lisa Turkhurst,(00:05:45):once wrote on Proverbs 31 about attending an event and how she felt so rejected and overlooked.(00:05:56):She says,(00:05:57):I couldn't wait to be with these people,(00:05:59):and I couldn't wait for the deep friendships that would surely bloom as a result of(00:06:03):our time together.(00:06:04):Walking into the meeting room, I quickly located the table of the people I was excited to meet.(00:06:10):Every seat had a name tag attached, so I circled the table looking for mine.(00:06:15):As I got to the last chair and realized my name wasn't there, my heart sank.(00:06:20):Finally, at a table on the opposite sid