Devotional 806

Have you noticed the price of gas?  Whether you drive a hatchback or a conversion van, I know you've noticed.

Our kids are not even old enough to drive, but one of them commented the other day on how they watch the prices at the pump rise each week on the bus ride to school.  

It's a hot topic of conversation, and everyone universally shakes their head, while at the same time accepting it--"What can you do?".  But the truth is, it hurts.

Then the grocery bill weighs in.  I'm not buying half of what I used to, but the total is more.  And the truth is, I'm worried.

Our parents were right--money doesn't grow on trees, and once we become adults that reality (should) become very clear.  And it has.

It's become crystal clear in the last year or so.  

Our minds want to worry...and they are.  Our hearts want to fret...and they are. 

But our Bible wants to breathe peace and trust into us...and it does.

We are not the first to feel fear from perceived lack-of-provision on anticipated drought.  People in the Bible felt it, people throughout history have lived it, and God's people can turn to Him during it.  

We hurt and we worry, but in doing so we mistake where our provision comes from.  The Lord is our shepherd.  We shall not want (Psalm 23:1). 


Now Elijah...told King Ahab, “As surely as the Lord, the God of Israel, lives—the God I serve—there will be no dew or rain during the next few years until I give the word!”  (2) Then the Lord said to Elijah, (3) “Go to the east and hide by Kerith Brook, near where it enters the Jordan River. (4) Drink from the brook and eat what the ravens bring you, for I have commanded them to bring you food.”  

(5) So Elijah did as the Lord told him and camped beside Kerith Brook, east of the Jordan. (6) The ravens brought him bread and meat each morning and evening, and he drank from the brook.  ~I Kings 17:1-6  

We can take a lesson in faith from Elijah.  We can take a lesson in trust from Elijah.  We can also take a lesson in simplicity from Elijah.  

He knew that there were lean years coming--he did not hide that, and he also did not hide from that.  The Lord spoke to him and gave him direction in the face of it.  It was up to Elijah to follow/obey/listen to the Lord and His Word...and he did.

And God took perfect care of him.  

It's up to us to do the same.  We may be facing lean times: in health, in finances, in family, in emotion...in faith.   But it is our choice as to whether we will follow/obey/listen to the Lord and His Word...but we can.  We can trust Him.

And God will take perfect care of us.  

Do you think Elijah called bread and meat each morning and evening from ravens "perfect provision"?  

Depending on our answer, it might be time for us to relax our standards.  We have become so accustomed to so much that it's possible to miss all of the ways and people that God has blessed us with.  

  • And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.  ~2 Corinthians 9:8  
  • Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” ~Hebrews 13:5  
  • Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.  ~Luke 12:7  
  • But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. ~Matthew 6:33  

  • And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.  ~Philippians 4:19  
  • So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ (32) For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.  ~Matthew 6:31-32
Today, have faith in the Lord's provision.  Trust Him in His ability (and desire) to meet our needs.  And receive His provision...however it is "delivered".  Don't turn away bread and meat from a raven's beak.
Blessings,

sarah

https://sarahsundy04.blogspot.com  

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