Then the angel of the Lord came again and touched him and said, “Get up, and eat some more, for there is a long journey ahead of you. So he got up and ate and drank, and the food gave him enough strength to travel forty days and forty nights to Mount Horeb, the mountain of God.

~1Kings 19:7-8 TLB

 

At the age of five, my grandson loved playing computer games.

While we lived in different states, I would call and talk with him as often as I could. However, talking on the phone was not his favorite pastime. One afternoon, during our typical five-minute chat, he asked if I would create an account and play his online game. He guided me through the log-in process, then said he’d wait for me on the site and show me around.

My penguin avatar appeared in the middle of an animated town, crowded with many of these aquatic birds dressed in various attire. A bubble text appeared above one of the seabirds that read, “Hi Nana.” He showed me all his favorite areas and games to play. We visited the beach, a clothes store, and a karate dojo, and then we engaged in several athletic matches, among other fun activities. He then took me to a café where we played checkers and made pizzas.

Engaging in his online adventure was not something I normally entertained, but to hang out, albeit in penguin form, bubble chatting and doing the things he enjoyed became important. Because I yearned to spend time with my grandson, it didn’t matter if the environment was virtual. I met him on his terms.

My longing to remain part of my grandson’s life does not compare to how great God’s desire is to do life with us. Meeting on an innocent child’s video game is one thing, but God will join us on a mountain top, in the valley, or engulfed in sin. Because of His unconditional love, He will meet us wherever we are.

Even though I walk through the [sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort and console me.

~Psalm 23:4 AMP

The great prophet Elijah walked with God and performed many incredible acts, but when King Ahab’s wife, Jezebel, plotted to kill him, he ran. He prayed to die and felt unworthy, despite the many miracles he performed. But instead of leaving His prophet to suffer in fear and isolation, God sent angels to prepare food and drink as Elijah slept. “Then he looked, and there by his head was a cake baked on coals, and a jar of water. So he ate and drank and lay down again” (1 Kings 19:6 NKJV).

The angel returned and fed him for a second time, strengthening Elijah for his forty-day journey. Despite Elijah’s loss of faith, God pursued His prophet and restored him for the voyage ahead. What God did for Elijah, He will also do for us.

Whom do you turn to when you want to run?

My Father in Heaven, thank You, that You will never leave nor forsake me, and that You see every challenge and struggle I suffer. But there are times I feel like Elijah and want to run away. I pray for You to nourish me with heavenly strength so I can endure and achieve what You have planned for my life, believing that You are always with me.

In Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2021: My Penguin Playmate: Irene Wintermyer