Faith in God's Wisdom
In the shimmering heartland of Mesopotamia, near the city of Susa, there was a quaint little village. Blink as you pass by, and you'd miss it, but within it resided a remarkable character. His name was Eliakim. He bore an honest look, and his ally was God's wisdom. People often said that wisdom appeared in Eliakim's dreams. Veiled criminals and convoluted issues - nothing could remain obscured when presented before him.
On a fair morning, Eliakim was baking bread when an old, weary traveler by the name of Abiram came to his humble abode. Abiram's face graced with lines of age and sorrow. He was a rich man fallen from grace, now in search of wisdom to unlock the answers of a dream which had taken away his peace.
"Peace be with you, Eliakim. I have heard of your wisdom. I had a dream last night. Three ravens came and ate loaves of bread from my hands. What might this mean?" Abiram asked, his voice a mere whisper. Eliakim listened attentively, gazing at the man in front of him. Understanding dawned on him, and he replied, "God is in the pursuit of telling you something, Abiram. The three ravens are symbolic of trials that will come your way. The bread, however, signifies that the provisions for these trials are already in your hands".Abiram was skeptical. How could a man fend off trials merely with bread? But Eliakim explained. "Bread here does not represent the physical nourishment, but the spiritual one. It implies that prayer and God's word are already in your possession to fend off the impending trials. Cling to them tighter than ever."
Abiram returned home, thinking about Eliakim's words. Months passed, and trials true to the form of ravens came to his life– famine, plunder, and a severe epidemic. These troubles seemed to have had flapped their monstrous dark wings over Abiram's once joyous life, shrouding it in darkness. But amidst stormy nights and sweltering days, Abiram relentlessly prayed and absorbed every word of the holy Book. His faith burned bright like a lighthouse in a stormy sea.
Neither did he blame God for his trials, nor did he ever let the shadows of despair disillusion him. Instead, he welcomed these challenges, intent on facing them head-on. People watched in awe and whispered, "Isn't he the rich man who once reigned the city of Susa? How firmly he stands in the face of trials." Abiram's faith, thus, became a beacon for his people, inspiring them to hold onto their faith during strife.
Just as the ravens had come, they were gone. One day, the menacing shadow was no more. The plague receded, fruitful crops sprouted, and peace was restored. Abiram was no more a rich man in wealth, but he was richer in spirit and faith. He had stood firm, wielding 'bread' in the face of his adversities. His trial and his unyielding faith filled the hearts of his people with respect and admiration. Abiram was no longer just a man; he had become an emblem of unwavering faith.
As for Eliakim, he continued to unearth the wisdom hidden in dreams and riddles, always with a humble heart, knowing the wisdom came not from him but from God. "I am only a servant," he would say, "The glory belongs to God." He lived his life as a beacon to others, gently guiding those who sought wisdom.
So, this tale of Abiram and Eliakim reminds us that faith in God's wisdom is our stoutest armor. During our trials, let us arm ourselves with relentless prayer and trust in God's word. No adversity is too unconquerable; no raven is too monstrous for those steadfast in their faith.
'When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.' - Isaiah 43:2.
