Mosaic (Feb 6)
- Amber Thiessen
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
My daughter has a Polaroid camera. The fun is holding the photo in your hand. Her friends come over, get busy doing their thing and afterward there’s often a new picture pinned to her bulletin board.
I walk into her room, noticing the new photo and ask what was going on in that moment— the picture telling a story of something funny or goofy. It’s only a snippet of their fun, but it makes me smile and helps me know them all a little better.
These moments captured don’t tell the whole story, but they share something important.
In 1 Kings 18, we’re given a similar snapshot. A brief moment where we meet someone new—introduced quickly, then just as quickly gone.
Here’s what he teaches me about faithfulness.
Faithfulness Where You’re Placed
Obadiah rose to the responsibility of his work, as steward of the palace. He was a trusted servant—competent, dependable, and faithful in his work.
We often compartmentalize our lives, usually without even realizing it. Like a Bento box or a divided Tupperware container, one thing goes neatly into each section. After all, we don’t like our foods to mix.
In the same way, we separate our spiritual life—morning devotions, Bible study, church—from the rest of our days: kids’ sports, work, ordinary responsibilities.
In our minds, these belong in different compartments.
We love watching basketball, and Steph Curry is one of the best. Every game, he steps onto the court wearing a bracelet that reads, “In His name I play.”
It’s a bold testimony.
When our character and integrity rise to the occasion, we’re living faithfully in what seems like small, insignificant moments—but lived before God, they bear fruit for His kingdom.
Faithfulness That Costs
Obadiah does the right thing. He hides 100 prophets, an act punishable by death. And he doesn’t stop there; he also provides for them.
He serves faithfully under constant pressure, aware that obedience could cost him everything.
Under a very different set of watchful eyes, Steph’s bracelet is a bold testimony.
Obedience often places us in uncomfortable positions and calls us to do hard things. We may not be required to risk our lives, but as followers of Christ we are called to preserve in faithfulness, testimony and service.
In my own work, I face similar decisions, to go beyond what’s required. Sometimes that means making extra phone calls or arranging another meeting to pursue reconciliation in a relationship. It costs my time, effort and energy. When my task list grows long I’m tempted to take the easier road. But the call to “make the most of every opportunity” shifts my gaze away from my self and toward what serves others best.
Faithfulness in Weary Seasons
Obadiah had already been faithful. Now he’s sent to look for pasture in a land that hasn’t seen rain in 3 years. It feels futile, but the king has ordered it, so he goes. When he unexpectedly meets Elijah, surprise quickly turns to fear. Elijah wants to speak to the king. But if Obadiah goes to tell Ahab, what if Elijah disappears again? He’d be a dead man. After everything he’s done over the past few years, would this be his end?
Elijah’s reassurance gave him courage to move forward.
This is often how doubt meets us too. After long seasons of pouring out—serving, persevering, staying faithful through adversity—we’re faced with something new: a decision, a calling, a huge toward obedience. And in our fatigue, uncertainty creeps in. Can this really be from God? Then come the “what ifs…”, clouding our clarity and courage.
But God often steadies us through the voices of faithful friends along the way. Their encouragement and affirmation help us face our fears honestly—and step forward in obedience, even when we feel spent.
Whether the snapshot of our current season is one of difficulty, perseverance or peace, Christ invites us to bring our heavy burdens to him and keep following. This truth encourages me in ordinary days that I’m perfectly placed, that He equips me for anything and has provided faithful friends to journey with me.
How does Obadiah’s faithfulness encourage you today?
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