Serving as a volunteer since 1991, I have learnt a lesson here and a lesson there in the area of FAITH and FINANCES. Though I feel I have NOT learnt this art to perfection, I know this is but a journey, which will only end when I see Jesus face-to-face.
It's so tempting to put my trust in what I see, rather than:
a) focussing on God, who is invisible, or
b) relying on His promises, or
c) believing the paths I tread in the past where I have seen His faithfulness time and again.
I Kings 17:2-16
ELIJAH FED BY THE RAVENS & THE WIDOW AT ZAREPHATH
First of all, note the fact there is a famine in the land, but God continues to speak to His servant. No drought or wilderness experience in hearing His voice.
However, the important thing to note are the 2 kinds of provision assured here:
a) Water, from the brook
b) Food, brought by Ravens (note, the word ORDERED in vs.4)
If at all there was a doubt in Elijah's mind concerning these 2 provisions, which one would that be? Naturally, it was going to be on the food the ravens were supposed to bring!
Because, that's the unseen commodity!
But guess what?
You're right, it's the water, which was there for the seeing, which dried up!
The ravens, who have this notorious habit of only taking from people, sincerely obeyed THE MASTER'S ORDERS and brought bread & meat for Elijah morning and evening, without fail.
Think about it - Could it be, there was this deep assurance within Elijah that even if the ravens didn't bring him food, he could at least fill his stomach with water - there was plenty there!
And that's exactly what I feel many a times.
what if ... this one stops;
what if ... that big support stops;
what if ... this commitment is not kept;
what if ... what if ... what if ...
- do I have a backup plan?
Is the bit that is available sufficient for this and that, etc...
The questions and doubts are endless and perilous, when I go that route.
But what I realize more and more is, these are NO TIME to use logic & common sense, as it defies all of that but, just OBEY God and keep going.
The key is being in the right place at the right time - as per His leading. One cannot negate that fact.
Imagine Elijah in a wrong place, other than the Kerith Ravine!
He would have seen the ravens flying about with food, because they are obeying the orders, and he would have been wondering what on earth is happening!!
Perhaps, they would have brought the food to him, even if he was in the wrong place ... but that is God's sovereignty, and that's no excuse to disobey His leading.
When the brook dries up, Elijah was asked to GO AT ONCE. Again, the assurance is given for his provision and note the word "...COMMANDED THE WIDOW..." in vs.9.
God ORDERED the ravens to bring food in the first instance; and now God COMMANDED the widow to supply food to Him.
Observe that God neither ORDERED nor COMMANDED Elijah to go to the Ravine or to Zarephath. He only nudged him to go, and it was left upto Elijah to obey & see God's provision in that place - though it's not the brightest of prospects when you look at it from a natural perspective!
How did Elijah know it was the right widow? In Luke 4:25,26 we read there were other widows who were not as fortunate as the one, whom Elijah met.
With her kind of response (vs.12), surely Elijah might have had his doubts.
It could perhaps be the urgency in sending him AT ONCE which holds the key, as the widow was about to make her last meal.
On the other hand, if the Lord had already commanded the widow, why did she behave the way she did?
All speculations are maybe's and if's - perhaps she was checking out if that was the right person!
Having said all this, when God leads He provides. It also means, He has already ORDERED or COMMANDED a blessing, that we are TO BE provided and cared for, even when the circumstances seem otherwise!
And when His provision is ON, it never ceases - it keeps coming when it is due.
Remember, He does and will shake up and dry the things, where we tend to put our trust ... if it is NOT Him.
What & where is our trust today? And who are we trusting?
Is it the things that we see and know for sure IS THERE?
Let's be stirred to trust Him, even if we have enough in store, as He is the source of ALL GOOD THINGS.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
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1 comment:
Well this is pretty timely- I myself have been "credit crunched". There is a lot in this that had never occurred to me before. It is an encouragement to keep my eyes on God and not on the news, bank statements, and other things that seem tangible when they really may not be!
Loved your family blog too. Such happy photos!!! Becky
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