We were absolutely over-the-top excited about our visit to the ancient city of Petra in modern-day Jordan. A dream come true! We’d seen pictures of the entrance to this long-abandoned city, what’s called the Treasury building, but we couldn’t believe our eyes at how huge the rest of the metropolis truly was.

We’d been told to pack lots of water. And we did. But we soon discovered that our supply was woefully inadequate. Near the end of our tour, we were parched dry like cardboard. Uncomfortable and grumpy. Isaiah 41:17 resonates–‘When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue is parched with thirst, I the Lord will answer them; I the God of Israel will not forsake them.’

What saved us that day in Petra? Certainly, it was our Lord, through a German restaurant nestled on the outskirts of Petra, that served us a lovely lunch, along with what seemed like gallons of ice-cold bottled water at each table. Needed every drop. We drank and drank, trying to slake the thirst that grabbed our throats. And eventually it did, thank the Lord, and once again, our German restaurant hosts! Danke!

We may have been Petra-fried that day, but the Lord promises that when we’re poor and needy, when we’ve run out of steam, feel weak and desperate, He has refreshment for us. Hear what’s next in Isaiah 41–‘I will open rivers on the bare heights, and fountains in the midst of the valleys. I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry lands springs of water’ (vs. 18).

God promises–‘I will…I will…’ Is He able to fulfill them? To our specifications? Yes and no. Try not to get ahead of God. His outcomes may not be exactly what we expect. They may seem quite the opposite of all we need and prayed for. But all things being equal, which often they’re not, keep looking up to your Lord. Pour out your heart to Him. No matter what, trust Jesus. Refuse to be knocked off His track. Eyes riveted on your Lord, staying close by Him with all your questions and doubts. Never let go of His hand.

You know that God is more than able. So get behind Him. Be a follower. Let Him lead. As we pray in the Lord’s Prayer–‘…thy will be done.’ You may not need physical water or food at this moment. But spiritual nourishment? We’re all in need of that. Me big time!

A high Bible diet is prescribed by Dr. Jesus. The fiber of faith from His Word. Extra proteins from His promises. Ready to feast? To quench your thirst and hunger for God? Dive in. Eat up. Gulp down deeply. No limits or fattening calories to worry about. Not with the Bible, God’s sustaining Word!

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for fulfilling all your promises, in your time and in your way. Also, for your sake. Amen.