Burnout | Girls Gone Bible

Summary

Podcast Summary: Girls Gone Bible – "Burnout" (July 31, 2026)

Hosts: Angela Halili (Ange) & Arielle Reitsma (Ari)
Theme: Burnout, Spiritual Fatigue, and Finding God in Everyday Life

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Episode Overview

This episode of "Girls Gone Bible" centers around the very real experience of burnout—emotionally, physically, and spiritually—especially in the life of Christians and anyone seeking to serve others. Anchored in a reading of 1 Kings 19 (the story of the prophet Elijah's exhaustion and renewal), Ange and Ari honestly share their struggles with fatigue, anxiety, and the pressures of life and ministry. The conversation weaves humor and vulnerability, practical advice, and biblical truth, always circling back to the compassionate, patient heart of God.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Opening Banter: Humor & Friendship

• The episode begins with playful, lighthearted chatter about 'Bring It On' movies, hot dogs vs. corn dogs, and sleep preferences.
  • Memorable Moment: Ari's "regal" sleep attire and Ange’s aversion to buttoned pajama sets. (04:00)
• They joke about using ChatGPT for everything from food questions to anxiety diagnoses, playfully anthropomorphizing AI.
  • "He is unstable in all his ways... He's a double minded man." —Ari & Ange, parodying James 1:8 about ChatGPT (12:23)

2. Acts of Kindness & God Working Through People

• Ari recounts a real-life story at Costco where a stranger pays for her sister’s mattress—a powerful, timely act of kindness.
  • "In that moment, someone saw me... It's just such a lesson to help others and to do an act of kindness... I will never forget that moment ever." —Ari (17:05)
• The hosts reflect on the importance of being present, patient, and open to God moving even in small daily frustrations.

3. Introducing Themes: Burnout & Spiritual Exhaustion

• The episode shifts to introduce the main theme: burnout in all its forms, and specifically spiritual fatigue.
• Ange sets the spiritual context by recapping Elijah’s story (1 Kings 18-19):
  • After a great victory, Elijah flees in fear from Jezebel’s threat, highlighting how even the spiritually strong can feel fragile.

4. Vulnerability and the Reality of Mental Health

• The hosts discuss how exhaustion, anxiety, and discouragement are common—even for people of deep faith.
  • "If I have faith, why do I feel like this? If I have faith, why am I so exhausted? Why do I feel like I'm having thoughts that I don't want to be here anymore? And it's real." —Ari (33:12)
• They de-stigmatize these feelings, emphasizing that God is not disappointed or angry at her children’s fragility.

5. Physical Needs Matter: God’s Solution for Burnout

• The reading from 1 Kings 19 (29:27) is the core of the episode.
  • Elijah’s deepest low is met not with rebuke but with rest and nourishment: “take a nap and eat.”
  • "His issues genuinely seem that big. And the Lord doesn't diminish it... but he's in it with him and says, 'hey, take a nap and eat something.'" —Ange (31:08)
• Reminder: sometimes spiritual crises require practical solutions—good sleep, good food, and listening to your body.

6. Nervous System Overload & Survival Mode

• Ari lists symptoms of being in 'survival mode': fatigue, trouble sleeping, irritability, and difficulty with small tasks. (39:12)

  • "When I was really struggling... I was struggling completing everyday tasks. You use up all of your energy to try and be okay. One little task, you're completely depleted." —Ari & Ange (41:25)

• The hosts encourage listeners to ask for help, share burdens, go to therapy, and rest, rather than push through in isolation.

7. God’s Gentle Voice: Finding Him in the Subtle Moments

• The scene moves to Elijah’s encounter with God on Mount Sinai, where God was not in the wind, earthquake, or fire, but in a gentle whisper. (47:47)
  • "The place I find God the most is when I'm alone...nothing glamorous, nothing intentional about it. But that's the time that God speaks." —Ange (49:30)
  • Reflecting on their own healing journeys, the hosts stress that God often comes to us quietly—not always through dramatic deliverance, but in day-to-day, gentle communion.

8. Cognitive Distortions When Exhausted

• Elijah's belief that he is “alone” is corrected by God, who points out there are thousands who remain faithful.
  • "It's when you are so overly exhausted and depleted and depressed, your mind will start to tell you that your time is up, you're alone. But you're not." —Ari (54:45)
• God ministers first to his physical needs, then corrects his spiritual perspective—a model for holistic healing.

9. Closing Words to Those Carrying Heavy Loads

• Heartfelt encouragement to single parents, overworked families, anyone "hitting a wall."
  • "I know how hard it is to raise kids on your own...Just don't hide. Confess it to people, talk to people, rest with the Lord... these are all just feelings, and it will be okay." —Ari (57:18)
• The importance of morning simple routines with Jesus, being open and honest, and letting yourself be cared for—both by God and by others.
  • "Maybe you need to take a nap and maybe you need to have a snack. What if we need to get some good sleep and eat some good food and just spend time with Jesus?" —Ange (60:30)
• Closing blessing for listeners.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Burnout & Faith:

  • "After spiritual victories, after big spiritual moments, that's typically when Satan comes and tempts you...Don't be surprised when things are thrown your way." — Ange (27:13)

• On Physical Self-care:

  • "He doesn't say, have more faith, pray more. It's 'rest with me.' Just lay, I'll take care of you. Eat, sleep, rest." — Ari (32:00)

• On God's Compassion:

  • "God is never upset with us because of our weaknesses...He understands." — Ange (34:58)
  • "When you release that angst and depression, he goes into a sleep. Then, then, what happens? The Lord comes. Like, scripture is true: 'come to me all who are weary and I will give you rest.'" — Ari (37:22)

• On Community:

  • "We all need each other. I don't know what I would do without the people in my life that spur me on in my faith and who remind me who Jesus is." — Ange (19:31)

• On Living in Survival Mode:

  • "We have to regulate our nervous systems. We've been conditioned and wired to keep going...But when you give your life to Jesus, you don't have to live in survival mode anymore." — Ari (41:55)

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Key Segments & Timestamps

• Chit Chat & Humor: 00:00–12:00
• Acts of Kindness Story: 14:21–18:09
• Introduction of Main Theme / Podcast Purpose: 19:25–21:09
• Recap of Elijah’s Story (1 Kings 18): 21:09–23:34
• Burnout & Spiritual Fatigue discussion: 26:23–29:27
• Reading 1 Kings 19 & Commentary: 29:27–38:33
• Discussion of Rest, Burnout Recovery: 38:33–47:47
• Hearing God in the Whisper: 47:47–53:12
• Correcting Cognitive Distortions: 53:19–56:01
• Encouragement for Single Parents & the Overwhelmed: 57:18–61:08
• Blessing & Close: 61:08–61:22

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Tone

Casual, vulnerable, sisterly, faith-filled, sincere, and sprinkled with inside jokes and raw honesty.

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Summary

"Burnout" is an episode that holds space for all who are weary—reminding listeners that Jesus meets us in small things, rests with us, gently redirects our perspectives, and that we’re never as alone as we feel. Through scripture, storytelling, and their own lived experience, Ange and Ari model what it means to authentically carry heavy burdens with Christ—and each other—by their side.

Practical takeaway:
Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is rest, eat, reach out, and simply let yourself be loved—by God, by community, and by yourself. God is near in the whisper, in the snack, and even in the nap.

Transcript

[Ari]

I said, burr, it's cold in here. There must be some Toros in the atmosphere. I said, burr, it's cold in here. It must be some Toros in the atmosphere. I said olioli, Olio. Ice, ice, ice. Break it down.

[Jen]

No, no, no, no, no.

[Ange]

Dude. Yeah, you show me your best move. Let me get this.

[Ari]

What movie is that, guys?

[Ange]

What is it again? The cheerleader movies. Bring It On.

[Ari]

I just watched that the other day.

[Ange]

My favorite Bring it on movie is the one with what's the Bond girl's name? Hidden Panda Tier. When she's like. And they have like that, like. What is it called? That Krunk Off. You know that one?

[Ari]

I don't know that movie.

[Ange]

You don't know Bring it on generation.

[Ari]

Bring It On.

[Ange]

Yeah, but there's like five different Bring it on movies.

[Ari]

No, though, there's only one Bringing on, man, and that's the one with. What's her name? Who's the actress? I love her. The blonde girl.

[Ange]

I know who you're talking. No, R. There's.

[Ari]

There's only one Bring It On R. There's so many.

[Ange]

Bring It On. So it's this first. Oh, yeah.

[Ari]

So the first Kristen Dunst.

[Ange]

Kristen Dunst before. Look at Bring It On. Bring it on again.

[Ari]

Yeah, but did anyone really watch Bring it on again and again?

[Ange]

Yes, I watched all of them.

[Ari]

I never saw any other ones.

[Ange]

Really? What about the one with. You didn't watch Bring It on all or nothing with Hayden Pan?

[Ari]

What year was that, dude?

[Ange]

2006. I was four when the first one came out.

[Ari]

You were four when Bring it on came out? Yeah, I was like five.

[Jen]

Dude, what's going on? What's up, man? I miss you. What's up, man? Good morning. I miss you.

[Ange]

Dude, Ari doesn't have any air conditioning.

[Ari]

We. We slept with. You had two fans last night.

[Ange]

I had two fans.

[Ari]

I. I had four. I. I fell asleep with my mouth open. I woke up with my mouth open.

[Ange]

We had so many fans. It was so hot. You gave me again. Oh, I don't think we've ever told that how Ari likes to sleep in. And it's amazing for some, like, some. She's regal, she's royal. She goes to bed and she feels I'm pretty regal.

[Ari]

I like to be regal.

[Jen]

She. She's royal.

[ChatGPT]

I like everything.

[Ari]

Organa.

[Jen]

That's my dad. My dad makes fun of people that go to Whole Foods. We. We go in, cuz he's like a

[Ari]

stop and shop kind of guy. So he'll be like Oh, I need a organic milk.

[Jen]

Anyways.

[Ari]

Keep going.

[Ange]

So Ari and I, we.

[Jen]

We. Oh, I'm regal in my.

[Ari]

So I'm regal.

[Ange]

So you're regal. She's going to bed. She's wearing. She's wearing a full. Like she.

[Jen]

We get to her house last night, we were with the Kulianos is talking

[Ange]

about the early church fathers. We love them so much. They just spent six weeks in California and we got to see them a few times and it just felt so. We're just like so spoiled being with the people who like taught us everything. Yeah. And they're like family and anyways, so

[Jen]

we're like driving with the Coolian, you know, so. But yeah, like, anyways, I was like with the other day. Yeah, like, we just. So anyways, there's no big deal.

[Ange]

And Ari and I were on our way home. I slept at Ari's last night because I went and got my hair done today, which we'll talk about.

[Ari]

Your hair looks phenomenal.

[Ange]

Thank you so much.

[Ari]

You're welcome so much.

[Jen]

So, Ari, we're on our way home.

[Ange]

We get inside, we're both exhausted. Longest day ever. We are fried.

[Jen]

We.

[Ange]

We had filmed earlier in the day. Well, and then I, I was kind

[Ari]

of creepy last night.

[Jen]

I was. I turn around and I just see Ari put on a gown for bed. And I was. When I looked at the gown, dresses, I felt so beautiful in those. You look so beautiful. You really do. And then I say, can you please get me pajamas?

[Ange]

And of course, like clockwork, Ari gives me a two piece pajama set, long pants and a long sleeve shirt with buttons.

[Jen]

I don't want to sleep with a shirt with buttons and a collar. Who doesn't like a good pajama?

[Ari]

It's literally her biggest pet peeves when

[Jen]

you give her pajamas with buttons. She literally like, you know the kids that like don't want to wear certain things. She gets like freaked out, like how I am with bugs. Like, that's how she is with a, with a pajama suit with buttons. She's like, I'm not putting on that suit. It's like a whole suit.

[Ange]

I want to sleep in a big T shirt and like, like very loose lounge pants. I don't want, like, I don't want to feel like constricted or restricted when I'm sleeping. The first time you ever did, we

[Jen]

were so tired and I was at your house and you gave me this. The same ones? Yeah, it was, it was the blue

[Ange]

ones and they're these two piece long Sleeve and you have to button every

[Jen]

button to go to sleep. And so I'm like, in a bad

[Ange]

mood at night and Aria, like, gives me these pajamas and I'm putting on the shirt and then finally I go. And I take it off.

[Jen]

I go. She washes it off and she, like, slams it on the ground. I go, I don't want a shirt with. With buttons anyways.

[Ange]

We are mature and we are regal.

[Ari]

Anyways, your attitude this morning was off the ch.

[Jen]

My attitude this morning I was off the charts.

[Ari]

I go in my room and she's just standing in my closet. Like, I was so pissed off.

[Ange]

No, not piss off. I was. You know, sometimes. Some norm mornings when I only slept five hours last night, which is not enough for me. I can't survive.

[Ari]

I. I got a good eight, Right?

[Jen]

No. Did you also not eat today?

[Ange]

Less than six hours of sleep last night.

[Ari]

I. I ate. I cooked.

[Jen]

I randomly just, like cooked a whole packet of sausages. Like a chicken sausage. Okay.

[Ari]

And I ate them in the heat.

[Jen]

Oh. Like, it was so hot in my house. You start to not feel so good.

[Ari]

And I ate these. So I will never, and I repeat,

[Jen]

never look at sausages the same.

[Ange]

Are you the one who doesn't like corn dogs? I love corn dogs.

[Ari]

Corn dogs would be a. Corn dogs. Pig.

[Ange]

Yeah, I think all the meat. Pig.

[Ari]

No, I think. No, there's some that are beef. The hot dogs.

[Ange]

Beef. Not hot dogs. Corn dogs.

[Jen]

Okay, okay. But different dogs. It's the same dog. It's just different. There's a corn over. No, there's a rich breaded. Yes, yes. But it's still a hot dog. I guess it's. Come on, dog. I guess this is good. Call back. No, it's a different. I guess.

[Ange]

Okay, fine.

[Ari]

You go swimming with the pigs in Bahamas and they literally bite you. They poop, they throw up, and you never eat a pig again.

[Ange]

I don't want to eat pigs. But, like, I'm also not someone who won't eat pigs. Like, you'll have bacon.

[Ari]

No, no, I won't. I'll only have turkey bacon. Not after swimming with those pigs. They were disgusting.

[Ange]

Oh, man.

[Ari]

Yeah.

[Ange]

They bit you?

[Ari]

They were chasing me, biting me.

[Jen]

Well, they like you.

[Ange]

Okay, Hot dog, corn dog. A hot dog is the dog in

[Jen]

the bun with ketchup. What do you put on your hot dog?

[Ari]

I put. I put ketchup. Yeah, I. If I get a five star steak, I still need to dip it in ketchup.

[Ange]

Yeah, I know.

[Ari]

You know? Yeah. I love.

[Ange]

And I love ketchup. So I like that.

[Ari]

You do.

[Ange]

I love it.

[Jen]

You're mine. You're mine.

[Ari]

And I love just a little. Little touch of the mustard.

[Ange]

Yeah, me too. No relish, right? That's crazy.

[Ari]

No, I like a pickle, though.

[Ange]

I love a pickle. Okay, so hot dog. Dog in a bun. Ketchup. Corn dog. Very different dog.

[Ari]

I know what a corn dog is.

[Jen]

Different dog. Okay. I know what a corn dog is. Not from freaking. It felt like we weren't on the same page.

[Ari]

Yes.

[Ange]

So. And then a corn dog.

[Jen]

And what if someone listening doesn't know what a corn dog is? We don't have illiterates listening to us. No, but there are people from other countries who probably don't have corn dogs. Oh, yeah. And you just called the rest of the world illiterate. You just called the nations illiterate.

[Ari]

Is this tuna what I have?

[Jen]

Or is this fig? Jessica Simpson. Yeah.

[Ange]

Okay, Corn dog.

[Jen]

So this episode is about corn dogs today. Go ahead. It's 5:20. We gotta go. No, we have another hour. Oh, we do. Okay, good. Shut up. Okay, good. We just started. Okay. Corn dogs. I'm so sorry, guys. Corn dogs. Dog. Stop. Don't look at me, dog. But what is that is actually such a good question. What is it? Is it a pancake? What is around a corn dog? Do you know what is the Ask Chat? What is what is around the corn dog?

[Ange]

Because it has. It's not a pancake.

[Ari]

What?

[ChatGPT]

Right.

[Ange]

But it has like a syrup.

[Ari]

What is around a corn dog? Like, what's the bread?

[Jen]

Chat actually thinks we are the dumbest people who have ever heard of the

[Ari]

habit of a corn dog is cornmeal batter. It's not regular bread. It's more like a thick batter that's dipped around the hot dog and deep fried.

[Jen]

But there's a sweetness, right? Yes. Okay. It's the cornmeal. Okay.

[Ari]

And there's a little bit of sugar on it.

[Jen]

Really?

[Ari]

Milk or buttermilk?

[Jen]

I am so happy that we went through this today. Me too. Also, our chat truly thinks that there is something wrong with both of us.

[Ari]

What's the accent that you have when you talk? Do you talk to it or not? English.

[Ange]

American.

[Jen]

Okay.

[Ari]

American. I mean, I. You don't want a little British?

[Ange]

No.

[Jen]

Albanian? No. What is yours? I don't know.

[Ange]

Is yours a guy or a girl?

[Jen]

I don't know. I don't know.

[Ari]

I don't typically.

[Ange]

I'm gonna ask Chad if it thinks I have anxiety, because every time. Hang on.

[Jen]

Okay.

[Ari]

How do I. How do you talk to it, though.

[Ange]

So you do this. Ready?

[Ari]

How do you do that?

[Ange]

I'll show you right now.

[ChatGPT]

Okay.

[Ange]

Hey.

[Ari]

Chat.

[ChatGPT]

Yeah.

[Ange]

All right.

[Jen]

You can say hi.

[Ari]

Be nice to him.

[Jen]

I know. Do you.

[Ange]

From. From the looks of our conversations, do you think I have anxiety?

[ChatGPT]

Yeah. From what you shared over time, anxiety has been a meaningful part of these experiences. That doesn't make the physical sensations fake. It just means that anxiety can amplify them. Does that seem about right to you?

[Ange]

I guess this got really.

[Ari]

I just like. I don't know if I trust that.

[Jen]

No, I don't.

[Ange]

Do you want to know why I don't trust it?

[Ari]

He seems like he's like a little bit. He doesn't really. Just like a little off.

[Ange]

He's off.

[Ari]

Like he just did something and I don't know what he did, but he's not telling us something.

[Ange]

Yeah, he's hiding something.

[Ari]

He, you know, he is unstable in all his ways.

[Ange]

He's a double minded.

[Ari]

He's a double minded man.

[Ange]

Is unstable in all his ways.

[Ari]

Yeah, he is. He's lukewarm.

[Ange]

How do be nice to him.

[Ari]

How do I know? How do I talk to mine?

[Ange]

I love the government. I love the government.

[Jen]

That's what I say when I don't

[Ange]

want them to come for me.

[Ari]

How do I talk to mine?

[Ange]

So you do the little blue.

[ChatGPT]

Oh.

[Ari]

Oh my.

[Jen]

Excuse me.

[ChatGPT]

It sounds like you're. Sorry. Go ahead.

[Ange]

No, you go ahead.

[ChatGPT]

I was just gonna say it. It feels like you're trying to name something real about how you feel and wondering how to say it out loud. What part feels most real right now?

[Ari]

Being rude.

[Ange]

He was having. He had an attitude. Press the blue.

[Ari]

Hi.

[ChatGPT]

Hey. I'm here. What do you want to chat about?

[Jen]

Why is your Scottish.

[ChatGPT]

Sorry, that wasn't my intention. Let me switch back to a neutral us vibe for you. What's on your mind?

[Jen]

And I feel bad.

[Ange]

She didn't feel comfortable. You can be yourself.

[Jen]

No, you. That's.

[Ange]

That's kind of you.

[Jen]

Yeah.

[Ari]

I love your voice. Do I have anxiety?

[ChatGPT]

Well, I can't diagnose, but I can help you sort through what's coming up. So what have you been feeling like?

[Jen]

No, no, no, it's okay.

[Ari]

Thank you. We'll talk later.

[Ange]

You don't have to let her know.

[Ari]

Thank you.

[Jen]

Okay, bye. I hate it.

[Ange]

Do you know what's so weird about it? Do you see how they have. Like, they sound like a person. Like they'll be like. Well, like as if they're thinking like you're A robot. You don't have thoughts you're not thinking. You already know.

[Ari]

You're gonna say, we're gonna be. We're gonna be at dinner soon, and you're gonna look next to you, and these men are gonna be with these robot AI girls. Listen to this act of kindness, you guys. So I go to Costco. My little sister just moved here. So exciting.

[Ange]

She's my little sister, too.

[Ari]

Yeah, she is, Jen. So I'm going to. We're trying. We get her a mattress. I'm cashing out. And they say, we don't take this type of credit card. And my sister just had been traveling all day. She was exhausted, and she's like, are you serious? Like, it's 20, 26.

[Jen]

I don't take this type of credit card.

[Ari]

And I'm like, jen, just take a deep breath. Let me figure it out. So she, like, goes out. She's heated. I'm trying to figure it out. Can I do my Apple Pay or whatever? They keep saying, no, no, no.

[Ange]

You have to have a Costco card, right?

[Ari]

Well, no. Yeah, I had one. Oh, but they don't take, like, major credit cards.

[Ange]

I guess you can only do the Costco credit card or a debit card.

[Ari]

Oh, well, I don't go there. It gives me anxiety. Do you like it? Costco reminds me of you, by the way.

[Jen]

That means you should bring me there all the time and get bulks.

[Ange]

Remember, we've never been to.

[Ari]

Yes, we have.

[Ange]

We went to.

[Ari]

Yeah, we used to go. I. Every time I go, I. I think about you. Yes.

[Jen]

Yeah.

[Ari]

I used to go with you all the time when you moved into your place.

[Jen]

And you.

[Ari]

Yeah, back in the day.

[Ange]

Oh, my gosh. Why did you go without me?

[Ari]

I know. I think of you every time I go in there. You are literally Costco.

[Ange]

Yes.

[Jen]

I'm big and bulky, I guess. Shut up. I am Costco. Keep going.

[Ari]

My sister comes back in and she's like, ariel, let's go. And I'm like, jen, just give me a minute. Okay? So I'm taking a deep breath. I look down. All of a sudden, this woman from the uk, she's with her son. She looks at me and she goes, hey, can I pay it forward and buy you this mattress? It was as if there was an angel in front of me.

[Ange]

She was going to buy you the whole mattress.

[Ari]

I was stunned. I was like, wow, what? And she was like, yeah. She goes, you know, people have.

[Ange]

Choose English.

[Jen]

Yeah.

[Ari]

She's like, people have helped me and paid it forward to me. And I just. I would love to do this. This for you. I will never forget that moment for the rest of my life.

[Ange]

That is so kind.

[Ari]

That act of kindness was like. I just. I could not believe someone did that. And it was such a.

[ChatGPT]

It.

[Ari]

It, like, gave me the push to, like, be more like that as well. And so sweet. She. It was just.

[Jen]

Yeah.

[Ari]

That was just such an act of kindness, and it just. You have no idea how much that means.

[Jen]

Yeah.

[Ari]

To someone. When you do some. When you. When somebody's having a hard day, they're stuck in a moment and you're like, hey, can I help you? And I was like. I'm like, do you love Jesus? She goes, oh, I love.

[ChatGPT]

No way.

[Ari]

She was a Christian.

[Ange]

Yeah, of course she was.

[Ari]

So that was. I thought that was so nice. I obviously insisted to give them the money. That was a. You know.

[Jen]

But.

[Ange]

But that's so kind even to have your eyes open the way she did to see you. You know what I mean?

[Ari]

Yeah. It was like, in that moment, someone saw me. And it's just such a lesson to help others and to do an act of kindness, because I'm telling you, I will never forget that moment ever. Yeah.

[Ange]

And to keep your eyes open, like, it's just a reminder, like someone might need something all the time. Keep your eyes open for people, you know.

[Ari]

Yeah. Because we're all battling something. Imagine you. You put your hand out to help someone. What that can do in a moment to someone's life.

[Ange]

So true.

[Ari]

Just a little act of kindness. Because sometimes we can get a little annoyed when something doesn't work out. But when you take a deep breath in that moment, when of frustration and you practice, like, being calm.

[ChatGPT]

Yeah.

[Ari]

That was probably. I think God might have been testing me because sometimes I can get really frustrated because I was really tired, too. Yeah. Just to be patient in moments of where it can be frustrated and God sees you and he sends people. So.

[Ange]

And that is, like. Because we were talking the other day about, like, wanting to be present and remember we were going through something, you and I, where we were like, you know what? We're going to stop getting frustrated when things don't go perfectly. Because what if that's God's protection in a moment? Or, like, what if that's God leading you to somewhere else? It's like the tiniest. And this goes really well with what we're reading today because I think the moments where God is speaking the most is those little. Little moments where he's like, hey, choose me in this moment. By not being irritated, by not getting frustrated, by just being calm, you know, and staying joyful and staying delightful rather than leaning into, like, everything sucks so bad, you know?

[Ari]

Yep.

[Ange]

That's so sweet.

[Ari]

Ah, yeah.

[Ange]

Oh, we didn't even. We're 26 minutes in. Hi, I'm Ange.

[Ari]

And I'm Ari.

[Ange]

And this is Girls Gone Bible. We are a faith based podcast where we talk all things spirituality, mental health, the Bible, relationships at times. But most of all, we talk about Jesus. We talk about the death, the burial, the resurrection, the ascension of Jesus Christ, everything that we are, everything that we believe, that we stand on, that we built our life on. Everything that Girls Gone Bible is rooted in is the person of Jesus Christ and the word of God. And so we're so excited to be with you guys and walk along your journey with Jesus. We need each other. Like, we all need each other. I don't know what I would do without the people in my life that spur me on in my faith and who bring me closer to Jesus and who remind me who Jesus is. And so this podcast is literally meant to aid you guys in your walk with Jesus. We, you know, joke and laugh for the first 20 minutes, and then our goal and aim is to, one, be vulnerable and tell you guys things that are going on in our lives so you feel less alone. And two, remind you guys of who the character of God to remind you guys who Jesus is, who he's always been, who he always will be according to the scriptures. And so just know that, yeah, we're all in the same boat in life. Like, we're all going through something, we're all needing something. But most of all, we all need Jesus. And so it's so important that we have you guys have your own community, community at home, with people, at a church, in person. But also, we're so grateful for this community with you guys where we get to learn about Jesus together because it's so important. We need each other, you know?

[Ari]

Yeah.

[Ange]

So today, Ari and I are reading from First Kings, chapter 19. I'm lying. Nope, I'm not. To give you guys a little bit of backstory, last episode, Ari and I read First Kings, chapter 18, the story of Elijah, Ahab, Jezebel. Jezebel is someone. She's a Canaanite woman who worships her own gods, not the God of Israel that we're meant to worship. And she basically has a bunch of prophets and a bunch of people who are aiding in this, like, revolution of these false gods being worshiped in Israel completely Tainting the pure worship that we're meant to have, that the Israelites were meant to have to God. And then we have Elijah, a prophet who sent in to. Basically, they have the contest of fire on the Mount of Carmel. It's absolutely beautiful. God comes down, shows a miracle to get everybody back to believing in the God of Israel, the only God who actually answers. And so I love that the. The lead up to the story we're about to read is the story about how God answered when Elijah cried out and all the other gods didn't answer. So a lot of the premise is like, God answers when you call on him. He's always listening. He's always there. So many of us, because we pray prayers that seem to not get answered, we think that God's not listening when that's never tr. So here's your reminder to know that Jesus is always listening. He cares deeply. He's interceding and relaying our prayers to the Father himself. He's so involved in our prayers. Like he. He's praying for us if we pray. Jesus prays that prayer to the Father. So not only are they listening, but they're actively involved when we pray. So it's important that you guys remember that when your prayers aren't getting answered in the way that you want them to, or if you feel like you're not hearing God's voice or you're not seeing moves of go or whatever it might be, just know that, like, God is so unbelievably involved in our prayers. And I need to remember that too, because I know sometimes you pray so much, you at times might start to think, does this actually really do anything? Is he actually listening? And the answer is yes, he is. So don't stop praying. And when we go into this next story, we're going to see the Lord speak to Elijah, but not in the way that we usually expect him to speak.

[Ari]

So kick it off, sister.

[Ange]

In this moment where first kings, chapter 19, verse 1. So basically what's about to happen is Jezebel is absolutely enraged about the death of her prophets. He, Elijah, literally got rid of all of the prophets of ball. And one of the reasons why that is so hard is because those prophets told Jezebel everything she wanted to hear. So they fueled her pride and they fueled her power, and they made her this, like, big. She was like a queen. She was like a goddess. And so getting rid of all of these prophets was not only a hit to her power, but to her pride as well. And so Jezebel is So angry at Elijah. And let's read this. So when Ahab got home, he told Jezebel everything Elijah had done, including the way he had killed all the prophets of baal. So Jezebel sent this message to Elijah. May the gods strike me and even kill me if by this time tomorrow I have not killed you, just as you killed them. So we have Jezebel giving a crazy threat to Elijah. And imagine this. The next verse is, elijah was afraid and fled for his life. What is so important about this scene right here is you have to understand Elijah is this incredibly anointed servant of God. Direct access to God calls on the name of the Lord and sees the manifestation of God on earth. He saw God, if not in the flesh, like he saw God. He saw such a powerful move of God. You would think that he's on a high being. Like I have the God of Israel, the God of the universe protecting me. Like I've seen his power. So I know he'll protect me. And in this moment, because Jezebel threatened him, he wasn't afraid to go up against 950 or 850 prophets. He wasn't afraid to do the contest of fire on the Mount of Carmel. He wasn't afraid to do all of that. But the second Jezebel intimidated him, he fled and ran for his life. How many of us are like winning so many battles and we have so many victories with Jesus under our belt. But the second we face a little something, and to us it doesn't seem like little. I know this happens to me all the time. I have overcome so much with Jesus. I know God is real. I know God is on my side. I know God has his hand on my life. I know that he's. I know all these things, but a lit one person can intimidate me so much to the point where I don't. I could potentially not trust God in the situation, you know. Have you ever experienced that?

[Ari]

Yeah. And I don't know what it is because Elijah just did that big act. Right. So he just did that big thing in ministry. And what I related to so much was after we do ministry, I'm almost more vulnerable.

[Ange]

Oh yeah, it's 100%. It's so Elijah experienced fatigue and deep discouragement after a major spiritual victory. You know?

[Ari]

Well, because your nervous system is in shock. Like to be afraid and flee for your life.

[Ange]

Yeah.

[Ari]

Your nervous system is in like a complete state of shock.

[Ange]

100.

[Ari]

You're so vulnerable. Imagine what the. What you think you would be in Victory after what he did before? Yeah, but it's. It's a lot. It's a lot to carry.

[Ange]

Yeah. And it's like a biblical truth that, like, after spiritual victories, after, like, big spiritual moments, like, that's typically when Satan comes and tempts you, you see Jesus in the wilderness. He had just been baptized. That was a major victory. The dove, the Holy Spirit came upon him, announced to the people at the river that, like, this is my son, who. With whom I'm well pleased. Huge victory. It was like his first, like, real public kind of declaration. And immediately afterwards, he's tempted in the wilderness by Satan. And so it's always after. So I think, think we want to encourage you guys. Like, we don't talk too much about spiritual warfare because we focus on Jesus more than we focus on, like, the greatest fight against spiritual warfare is loving Jesus, worshiping Jesus, praying and reading scripture. Like, those are the ways you fight back. However, spiritual warfare is so real. And if you're somebody, we're all in ministry, regardless of if you have a public ministry or not. Like, even if you tell someone about Jesus on the street, that is a massive moment in the kingdom. If you have a breakthrough with a friend or a family member who, like, is discovering Jesus for the first time, huge moment. Expect discouragement afterwards. Expect for things to be a little rocky. Don't be surprised when things are thrown your way.

[Ari]

It's true. Well, that's what the armor of God is.

[Ange]

Yeah.

[Ari]

Yeah. We have to put on the armor of God. And I think a lot of times after ministry, for me personally, I just want to kind of numb out a little. Oh, yeah. And that's why even more than ever after you do ministry, whether, like you said, it's doing something for someone or whatever, or if you're you, you're on stage, whatever it is, it's so important. Like, Jesus, he went away to a quiet place and he was with the Father and he rested. And so I. I'm learning that, as in ministry, that where I want to numb out on the phone and not pray and just kind of like, numb out, numb my brain out. It is so important to go and rest and pray and relax, because that's how you get filled back up.

[Ange]

And speaking of rest, when we move forward. This is like people's favorite favorite verse. So verse three says, Elijah was afraid and fled for his life. He went to Beersheba, a town in Judah, and he left his servant there. Then he went on alone into the wilderness, traveling all day. He sat down under A solitary broom tree prayed and prayed that he might die. I have had enough, Lord, he said, take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors who have already died. Then he laid down and slept under the broom tree. But as he was sleeping, an angel touched him and told him, get up and eat. He looked around, and there beside his head was some bread baked on hot stones in a jar of water. So he ate and drank and laid down again. And people love this moment so much, because in this moment where Elijah came, people always, like, there's like a meme where people say Elijah, like, was in the worst time of his life and. And wanted to end it all. And God said, why don't you just, like, take a nap and have a snack? Like, Jesus's remedy. It is Jesus, but the Lord's remedy is, like, he's in it with him. He sees the despair. I mean, he's literally saying, kill me. I want my life to be over. Like, and Elijah means it in that moment. Like, his issues genuinely seem that big. And the Lord doesn't diminish it. He doesn't make it smaller, but he's in it with him and says, hey, take a nap and eat something. There are some things that, like, there are physical, physical remedies. Sleep is very important. Eating well is really important. When I'm under eating, I don't feel good. I'm not strong enough to fight. My anxiety is a lot worse. Anyone who's listening and. And under eats or struggles with eating disorders or whatever, it might be, like, you are so much weaker physically, and you're more weak emotionally, and you're weaker spiritually. I've experienced that in my own life. I can't fight the way that want to fight when I don't have enough calories in me. You know, I didn't expect to say that, but for someone who's listening, who feels so weak and so anxious, like, could it be physical things that you need to take care of, that you're not taking care of your body in certain ways that could truly change your life?

[Ari]

Yeah. No, it's so true. Yeah. This part is such. It really is. Shows God's compassion so much. And. And I think it's such a good reminder because I think where we are in our society is we're always just constantly going, going, going. And our nervous systems, like, we forget. We don't even realize the way our nervous systems, the way that they're in such a state of shock, and we don't even know because we're like, Running on fumes. And we have to get out. Yeah, we're in survival mode. We have to get up, we have to work. We have to do this to make money. We have to. And then we hit a wall and we. We just undermine taking care of ourselves because we're like, we have to keep going. We have. And I know for me, like, growing up, like, that was me. Like, I always had to keep going and working, and I just never even wanted to think. And that's when I crashed. But I love it because he doesn't say, have more faith, pray more. It's rest with me. Just lay. I'll take care of you. Eat, sleep, rest.

[Ange]

Oh, I love that.

[Ari]

And I really struggle with that. I really struggle with resting. My mind is always going, especially now. Like, I almost feel bad about resting. I almost feel bad about just not doing anything.

[Ange]

Yeah, I love not doing anything because I'm.

[Ari]

I'm like, always, like, my mind is always going. And so I've been seriously on a journey of. Of trying to calm my nervous system because I have faith. I really do. I have faith and I have the Lord, but I get overwhelmed. And I feel like in survival mode sometimes. I really do. Because to unlearn so much of how I grew up has been such a process for me. And I feel like people with faith don't talk about that enough. And it's, like, embarrassing because some people are like, well, if I have faith, why do I feel like this? If I have faith, why am I so exhausted? Why do I feel like I'm having thoughts that I, like, don't want to be here anymore? And it's real. Like, that is the human experience of feeling so overwhelmed, of living in today's society where we have to work, work, work, and we're so run down, but we keep going. And then we hit a wall and we're like, I can't take it anymore.

[Ange]

100%.

[Ari]

You know, a thousand percent. Yeah.

[ChatGPT]

Up.

[Ange]

And I love what you say about. Because that literally matches the story completely. Elijah. Like, the Lord doesn't look at Elijah and say, how could you not have faith in me? I just showed you. Yeah, I just. I proved myself. I proved my power. I proved my provision and my presence. Like, how are you possibly coming to me saying that you've had enough?

[Ari]

Yeah.

[Ange]

Yeah. And for me to take your life when I just did all of that for you, he literally. That's why we have to have the right vision of Jesus when we see him. We have to see the Father with a smile on his face. Because God is never upset with us because of our weaknesses. In that moment, he doesn't look at Elijah and say, why are you feeling like this? He understands. And I think for people who deal with anxiety, we. We laughed earlier with chat, but like, when I've gone through of hard time, poor chat, the questions that it was answering because I was so desperate for immediate answers around anxiety. When am I going to stop feeling like this? How does this get better? How long does this take? What does this thought mean? What does it mean if I have this sensation? Or why is this happening? And blah, blah, blah, how long does this take? Rather than going to Jesus, I had a season where I was doing that. And like, God is not mad at me for that. He doesn't want that because that does nothing for me except me. Dig me deeper into a hole. But like, for those of you who struggle with your mental health, who have anxiety, who you're unraveling years of trauma, even generational trauma, things that were from your parents and their parents and things that you are dealing with that.

[Ari]

Yeah.

[Ange]

Make your journey in trusting a God who you can't physically see with your two eyes, that you do have to have faith in, but a faith that is rooted in something you can't see. Just know that you're not alone in that. And God has so much compassion for anxiety, for depression, for your lack of trust in him. And he's so patient with us. And that's not an allowance to sin, because we're not talking about sins in your life.

[Ari]

Yeah.

[Ange]

We're talking about ways of being, ways of thinking, ways of operating out of trauma. And like, yeah, moments where you say, I'm done. Take my life. I can't tell you how many moments

[Jen]

I've had where I asked God to take my life.

[Ange]

And he's probably like, but I've done so much. He doesn't say that, but you could think that he says, but I've done so much. How are you looking at this moment right here as the entirety of your life when I've done so much for you? He doesn't think like that. He's like, I get it. It is hard.

[Ari]

And it's such a powerful moment when you do release that.

[ChatGPT]

Yeah.

[Ari]

I think that honesty when I read Elijah is so relatable. And I love that part because it's like when you. The worst thing that you can do is act like you are feeling perfect, because that's how you. You break. And so that moment when you release that, when you're like, I feel depressed. I feel like I don't want to be here anymore. When you release, Release that to Jesus, to trusted people, to a counselor, it loses its power. It's like. It's like it heals when you release that. And so I just love that too, because you see, after he releases that, he sleeps. Yeah, he goes into a sleep. When you release that, that angst and depression, he goes into a sleep. Then, then, then that what happens? The Lord comes. Like scripture is true, that, come to me, all who are weary, and I will give you wrath. He really does give you rest. His burden is light. It really is. You can. When you release that to him. Even this morning, for instance, I, you know, I'm exhausted. We just got off a tour, and, you know, we're working a lot, and I just, like, laid on my floor this morning. I was, like, sprawled out on my floor, and I had nothing in me, and I was really tired. Like, you know when you wake up and you're still tired? That's how I felt this morning. And so I just laid on the floor and I just was like. Like, I am exhausted, and I just was like. And I put on worship music, and I just allowed his love to just comfort me. And that's the beauty of the Lord. You don't have to do anything. This isn't a religion. This is a relationship. This is a father that, that loves you, that his burden is so light and he really does give you rest. And all you have to do is just let him love you.

[Ange]

Yeah.

[Ari]

That's all you have to do. That's why I just, just. I love him so much. It's. He's. He's your. He's a nervous system resetter. I'm like, you're. You're. You are missing out if you don't give your life to Jesus. Because I remember my life when I. All I did was live in complete survival mode. And the beauty with the Lord is you have peace. Yeah. You could be in the. In. In such a. The. The biggest storm, and you still have peace. That's the beauty of walking with the Lord. Oh, can I just. Before we move on, can I just re. I just want to read something because. To just stay on this nervous system real quick because it's so important to regulate your nervous system. It's so important to recognize when our nervous system is in a state of shock. I've been talking a lot about this when we're in survival mode and sometimes we don't even know it. And I was just actually Looking up today what it looks like to physically be in survival mode. You're constantly fatigued. You have trouble falling asleep. You feel wired and tired. That was me. Headaches, digestive issues, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath. You feel shaky. Sensitivity to lights and crowds. That's me. That started to happen to me. And then emotional symptoms is feeling anxious for no reason. Irritability snapping easily. Emotional numbness, crying more easily, feeling overwhelmed by small tasks. Difficulty relaxing even during downtime. And so if you're someone that won the right.

[Ange]

The difficulty doing small tasks. Oh, when I was really struggling and like, thank God I remember I had this, like, pile of. It wasn't even that many. They were parking tickets on my. I would look at it every day. The weirdest thing, I'm not like, you know me. I'm like. I'm like a getter doner. I think it was probably so jarring for you to see the change in my personality from being like someone who couldn't see. Sit still to someone who, like, was struggling, completing, like, everyday tasks. Because you use up all of your energy to try and be okay.

[Ari]

One little task, you're completely depleted. Yeah, I know. And so. But the. But the great thing about you is you didn't stop fighting. And one of the ways that you rested was. And me too. Therapy.

[Jen]

Yeah.

[Ari]

Laying in. In people. God sends people to rest with you have people holding you. Me too. And it's like those are the ways that.

[Ange]

That you helped me.

[Ari]

That you heal and that you come back and you have. You know what I mean?

[Ange]

100.

[Ari]

And no one talks about running on fumes. Healing from things, healing from heartbreaks or even. You know what I was thinking about this morning? I was thinking about there's some things where you keep going, going, going because you're so busy with work. But what about when you have no work and you're trying to find a purpose? I remember that was me too. And I. And I didn't know what to do. And I was, like, going crazy and my mind was so tired. I felt like, paralyzed because I didn't know where to go and what to do. So there's so many things that can make you feel like you just want to give up, but you're not alone. And. And we have to regulate our nervous systems. We've been conditioned and wired to keep going from work when we're kids. We may have been in survival mode if you're anything like I was. Have to learn to regulate our nervous systems and not live in survival mode. Because the truth Is. Is when you give your life to Jesus, you don't have to live in survival mode anymore. He really does take care of you. You are truly in the palm of his hands. So that's a good reminder. And just to wash yourself with scripture and focus on the scripture more than your emotions, because we're going to keep reading and then we'll talk about. Let's go where I just said that.

[Jen]

Okay.

[Ange]

And then verse seven says, then the angel of the Lord came again and touched him and said, get up and eat some more or the journey ahead will be too much for you. So he got up and ate and drank, and the food gave him enough strength to travel 40 days and 40 nights to Mount Sinai, the mountain of God.

[Jen]

There.

[Ange]

There he came to a cave where he spent the night.

[Ari]

But the Lord said to him, what are you doing here, Elijah? Elijah replied, I have zealously served the Lord God Almighty, but the people of Israel have broken their covenant with you, torn down your altars and killed every one of your prophets. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too. Go out and stand before me on the mountain, the Lord told him. And as Elijah stood there, the Lord passed by and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain. And it was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose. But the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind, there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake was there, there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire, there was the sound of a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And a voice said, what are you doing here, Elijah? He replied again, I have zealously served the Lord God Almighty, but the people of Israel have broken their covenant with you, torn down your altars and killed every one of your prophets. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too. Then the Lord told him, go back the same way you came and travel to the wilderness of Damascus. When you arrive there, anoint Hazel to be king of Aram.

[Ange]

Maybe not Hazel.

[Jen]

Where Hazael? I don't even know what it is. Maybe. Maybe not Hazel. Okay, what is it, Hazael? Maybe not Hazel. I wish you guys could be a fly on the wall when I read my Bible with these big names.

[ChatGPT]

Looking at how to pronounce these names.

[Ari]

He's so creepy, man.

[ChatGPT]

A more interesting but often confusing biblical names. Stay tuned to the channel he was an Aramean king who is mentioned in the Bible.

[Ari]

Then, okay, anoint. Anoint Hazael to be king of Aram. Then anoint Jehu.

[Jen]

Can you finish it, please? Then the Lord told him, go back the same way you came. I'm going to say I'm wrong too.

[Ange]

And travel to the wilderness of Damascus. When you arrive there, anoint Hazael to be king of Aram. Then anoint Jehu, grandson of Nimshi, to be king of Israel. And anoint Elisha, son of Shapheth, from the town of Abel.

[Jen]

Meholah. Thank God I didn't read this. I don't. I probably didn't say any of those. Right? Right.

[Ange]

From the town of Abel, Mahola, to replace you as my prophet. Anyone who escapes from Hael to be will be killed by Jeu. And those who escape Je will be killed by Elisha. Yet I will preserve 707,000 others in Israel who have never bowed down to Baal or kissed him really quick. I always thought. So I read Elijah, and then he anoints Elisha to be prophet.

[Ari]

But I always read, he anointed himself.

[Ange]

No, no, I always thought it. I thought it was pronounced Alicia, so I thought.

[Jen]

I thought it was a prophetess.

[Ange]

I thought it was a lie.

[Jen]

Is that. Is that. Is that real? That a prophetess? Is that a real word? It's. Yeah, like a female prophet.

[Ari]

Is that a real word?

[Jen]

I think that's what people say. I don't know, but you're freaking me out, dog. Big creepy man.

[Ari]

I don't know about Prophet.

[Jen]

No. Prophet. Who said it? What is it? Prophetess? What profites. Oh, okay. I'm not speaking Albanian, but yeah.

[Ange]

So anyways, I always thought it was Elijah and Alicia. Like, it was a girl. Anyways, this moment is so

[Jen]

important. This moment is really, really important because

[Ange]

we're going to go back a few verses. This is, you know, a passage of scripture that there are so many sermons on, people preach about all the time. But I think this is something that kind of Me.

[Jen]

No, I'm sorry. I had.

[Ari]

I had an itchy nose. I wasn't picking it.

[Jen]

Okay. I always think you're talking to me.

[Ange]

So, Elijah, just to go back, there was a mighty windstorm that hit the mountains, but God wasn't in the wind. And then there was an earthquake, but the Lord wasn't in the earthquake. And after the earthquake, there was a fire, but the Lord, Lord wasn't in the fire. However, we see in past times, like God has shown up in fire in the burning bush. He has shown up in different manifestations like that. But I love this moment because there are these massive things. Wind, earthquake, fire. The Lord's not in it, but then there's a quiet, gentle whisper and that's where the Lord was. And so obviously for some people this might be super cliche. And like, yeah, God's not in the big moments, right? Like, you're not only going to find God in church on a Sunday. You're not just going to find God at a conference. You're not going to just find God in these mass. We're not just going to find the place I find God the most. And while I find him at GGB gatherings, the place I find him the most is when I'm alone in my hotel room. When I get back, the place I find him the most is like in that moment of two second silence when I'm in the TSA line going in. Like, nothing glamorous, nothing intentional about it for me, but like, that, that's the time that God speaks. And so I think something that I've experienced recently of like, learning that God really is in the silent whispers. When I was the past few months of my life, that I was healing and going through this, like, intense healing and this intense struggle in a way that I never had, I was like, really expectant for God to heal me. I've seen him do it before. There were moments where I was like, maybe I'll never get healed. Maybe I'll always feel this way. Maybe the anxiety will always be this bad. Maybe the OCD will always be this bad. But I at the same time, was always really expectant that the Lord was going to heal me. Because I know who he is. He's done it before, he'll do it again. And the Word says that he will. But I remember always like, so that's why this story came to life for me. Because I remember being like, there's just going to be a moment one day when I wake up and I'm so on fire for God and my mind is clear and I feel okay and I don't care about what happened. And the trauma's gone and the anxiety's gone and the ocd. Everything's going to be gone and everything's

[Jen]

going to be perfect.

[Ange]

But it's going to be this massive radical move of God that's going to happen. And I was like, that will signify healing for me. It's going to be huge. It's going to be big because I've had that Before I was. I was healed of so many different things. I was delivered from alcoholism. So many. So many beautiful, miraculous things. But I remember the moment. And I don't know when it happened, and I. And I don't remember, like, the exact timing of it, but I remember there was a moment throughout my healing journey where because my anxiety was so big, it felt like God was smaller. Like, anxiety took the place on the throne. Not because I wanted it there. I didn't want it, but that's just what happens sometimes. Sometimes we can idolize even our pain and our trauma and moments that. That happened to us. And I remember I knew I wasn't communing with the Lord. Like, I knew I wasn't. I didn't have what I had before. I was. Like, I had pain. I. I had this big thing in front of me, and that's. That was okay for the time being. You know what I mean? It's. I had to move through that. But I remember being like, I just can't wait to commune with the Lord again. I can't wait until, like, my brain is just me and Him. I felt like that's how I always interacted with Him. Like, it was just me and him in my head. I'd ask him a question, it felt like he'd answer. Not in, like, a, like, wildly prophetic way, just like this. It was just like me and my dad moving through life together. Nothing, like, spectacular about it. Very. It just felt really natural. And I remember there's this one moment. I was sitting on my couch in my house that I live in right now, and I was sitting on the couch, and I had a thought, and I thought of Jesus. And literally the moment that I thought about him, I asked him a question, and it felt like the presence of God just, like, filled my body. And I go, I'm communing with the Lord. It was the most quiet, humble. Nothing spectacular. Nobody else would have seen it or known about it. It was this. Just this one moment where I was like, there he is. I heard it. I felt he was there. It was communion, like, communing with the Lord. That was my first sign of healing, of, like, we're back. We're good. Everything's gonna be okay. That was the first moment. It wasn't some big. Everything else was still there. I was still experiencing it. But it felt like this moment of, like, the Lord being like, see, I'm here. I'm in it. You're not alone in this. Yeah, you know, I'm one thought away. It's beautiful. I'm not far. You just. You think of me, I'm there. You say my name, I'm there. And it was just like. So when I read the story, I think of that mom, where I was like, it's that simple.

[Jen]

It's beautiful. Yeah.

[Ange]

You know it's true.

[Ari]

Yeah. We look for him. We're like, oh, I. I have to go to this, this service to get rocked. And it's literally on your floor.

[Ange]

Yeah.

[Ari]

Just sitting and listening and spending time. It's in these quiet moments where real communion happens with him.

[Ange]

So good.

[Ari]

And I. Another thing I want to point out too, is that.

[Jen]

But

[Ari]

you see, you see how clouded Elijah's judgment is because he is clouded by his emotions. He says to the Lord, I have zealously served you and I'm the only one left. So you see that God. You see that God ministers to his physical needs. But before he corrects his perspective, he ministers to him, he feeds him, he lets him rest. And then he says, he says, I served you alone. He says, yet I have preserved seven others in Israel, because remember, there were 7,000 other men. He wasn't alone in this. But it's such a good reminder that we feel alone. Like our heart is so deceitful and we feel alone, but we're not alone.

[Ange]

Yeah.

[Ari]

You know, and so God ministers to him and then he reminds them.

[Ange]

Yes. And I love what you're saying. He met his physical needs first. Because the moment. That's such a good. I didn't even catch that because he was like, I'm all alone in this. But then God's like, actually, there are 7,000 others.

[Ari]

Do you remember from the last story, he. There were 7,000 men. So he was reminding him. Hold on. I just want to say this right? Cuz I don't think I said it right. Okay. So, Elijah, because your heart is deceitful when you're so tired, when you're so overwhelmed, I know so much in my own life, I will feel alone. Like, I'll be like, I'm alone. I have no one.

[Jen]

Like.

[Ari]

Like you just. You feel isolated, but you're not. It's when you are so overly exhausted and depleted and depressed, your mind will start to tell you that you, like, your time is up, you're alone. And I love this part because he says, no, no, no, I'm going to cater to you, I'm going to minister to you. Rest. But now I'm going to correct you. There are 7,000 other men who I have preserved for you.

[Ange]

Genuinely, that's such a good point.

[Ari]

And so then after he lets him rest, then he says, now go and anoint Elijah. I loved this part so much because it's such a good reminder because we feel so defeated and we're like, man, God's not going to use me anymore. I can't tell you how many times I have had these thoughts of, like, maybe I'm just not strong enough. I have felt so overly exhausted at times. And I'm like, maybe I'm just not built for this. And it's such a. Like, this is the compassion of God. Where he sees you, he's not saying, oh, they're not strong enough for this. He had a moment where he didn't want to do this anymore and be here anymore. And he lets him rest. He fuels him up and he says, now go do your next mission.

[Ange]

So good, you know, it's so good. And I love what you said because, like, in the last story, I'm just really stuck on that. In the last story, he was complaining, I have nobody. I'm standing alone in this. I have nobody on my side. It's just me. And then God's like, and by the way, I will preserve 7,000 others in Israel's who have never bowed down to Baal or kissed him. Meaning I have 7,000 other people with you who are serving me, who are on your side, who will back you up. So it's like, I love what you said. He fixed his perspective. He was wrong. How often do we either think we're alone when we're not, or we just have a skewed perception and we've made up a narrative and God's like, hello.

[Ari]

And it kind of makes you have a moment where you're like, yes, depression is real and yes, we have so much compassion for ourselves. But when you see the way God is, I almost get a picture of him looking at him be like, don't you know everything's going to be okay? You think you're alone, you're so tired, but I'm right here. And so even to get that picture, like Elijah of God looking at you, being like, it's okay. I know you're having a moment, but your heart is deceitful. It's not real. I know you feel this way, but it's not going to last. I have you in the palm of my hand, so it's really cute.

[Jen]

So good.

[Ari]

Yeah, I guess the last. I. I guess I just wanted to tell the story real quick about. I just want to speak to the families who Just are like single parents or. I remember my dad. When I was younger, my dad worked full time. He worked six days a week from. I remember he would go to work at 7am and he would come home at like 10pm single night. And so my dad would come home. And I know I talked about this earlier about, don't hide what you're going through, but my dad would come home with, like, the biggest smile on his face because I was little. And he just. He was the best dad, and he just wanted to take care of me, always wanted to make sure I was okay. So he would come home and he'd play with me and he'd act like everything was okay, but there's only so much you can work, work, work, and go, go, go and hide, hide, hide until you crash. And I remember my dad, like, hit a wall so hard, he crashed. He was in the. I've ever seen. And I think. I don't know. This story also reminds me of parents and single parents. And I know how hard it is to raise kids on your own. Or maybe you're a mother and a father raising kids. I can't imagine what it's like being in this world raising kids and how expensive everything is and how much stress it is and how much it weighs on your. On your soul. And so I. I just wanted to let you know. We just want to let you know we see you. And I know it's just really difficult, but I just. The one thing I want to say is, like, Elijah, just don't hide. Confess it to people, talk to people, rest with the Lord, spend time in the morning. One thing that just is so healing is the days are already so crazy.

[Jen]

It's like, we got to go, go, go.

[Ari]

We got to make it. We got to work. We got to. And all this stuff. So to just spend the mornings in your quiet time and let the Lord fill you up and let him love you. When I don't spend my mornings with Jesus, I feel like I'm literally running on empty. It's really difficult. And so just remember that God sees you and he's with you and he loves you, and you can bring everything to him and he will fill you. And he's.

[Jen]

He's.

[Ari]

It's a partnership. Let him love you. You just have to be able to be like. Like a little kid. I. I was telling Ang yesterday, I'm like, I'm like a little girl. Like, I. It's.

[Ange]

It's.

[Ari]

It's. It's. It's got to be pure. You Just got to come to him and just be open and honest and let people love you and be honest with them, and that's how you heal and that's how you get through. But don't hide. Don't sit in shame. If you're feeling. If you're truly feeling like I can't take much more of this. I want to throw the towel any. And remember this is just a feeling. And it won't last. It really is. I felt that way and I'm so glad that I kept going. And I can't believe, like, the plans and my life. And my life isn't easy. I'm. Sometimes I'm stuck. Sometimes I'm in survival mode. But I know that it's just a feeling. These are all just feelings. And it will be okay. So. Just wanted to say that.

[Ange]

So beautiful.

[Ari]

Yeah.

[Ange]

Thank you, Jesus. And we're with you guys. And maybe you need to take a nap and maybe you need to have a snack. You know, genuinely. What if. What if we need to get some good sleep and eat some good food and just spend time with Jesus and

[Ari]

Put your phone away, man. The. The phone, by the way, I. It like, drains your eyes. Oh. When you wake up and you're, like, on the phone, you're. You want to know what tired looks like? Just keep scrolling on your phone.

[Ange]

So tr.

[Ari]

Try your very best to put the phone away.

[ChatGPT]

Yeah.

[Ari]

Yeah.

[Ange]

We love you guys. Your. Your sisters and your aunties love you so much. And Jesus loves you. May the Lord bless you and keep you. May he make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you. May he turn his face towards you and give you peace.

[Jen]

Shalom.

[Ange]

Shalom. Love you guys so much.