Fear Not! A Journey From Fear To Freedom (Part 2)Sample

 God Provides in Unusual Ways

“I do not have bread, only a handful of flour in a bin, and a little oil in a jar; and see, I am gathering a couple of sticks that I may go in and prepare it for myself and my son, that we may eat it, and die. And Elijah said to her, ‘Do not fear; go and do as you have said, but make me a small cake from it first, and bring it to me; and afterward make some for yourself and your son’” (1 Kings 17:12-13). 

Elijah had proclaimed there would be no rain in the land except at his word. During the subsequent drought, God provided for his servant. First He sent ravens to feed His prophet. Then God told Elijah to get up and find a widow in Sidon to tend to his needs.

One of the names of God is Jehovah Jireh (translation “to foresee and provide”). God is your Provider. Nothing is too difficult for the Lord, and He can provide for you in the most unusual ways - whether it be raining manna every morning, sending ravens to feed you, or using a widow who has virtually no resources. When Elijah showed up, this widow had two mouths to feed already. Elijah then had the nerve to ask for something to eat. And, oh by the way, please prepare mine first! 

The widow had to step out in faith and provide for Elijah. It takes faith to provide for the needs of a perfect stranger above that of your own family. It takes even more faith to provide for that stranger’s needs first. God asks us to do the same: step out in faith and give Him the first fruits of our income, not what is left over. God does not need your money; He is looking for your obedience, your trust, and most importantly, your heart. 

This story has a happy ending. Elijah told the widow her flour would not run out, nor would her jar of oil run dry until the Lord sent rain on the earth and his prophecy came true. She thought she was providing for Elijah, but in doing so God provided for her and her son. Normal mathematics do not hold true when it comes to God’s provision: 1+1 does not always equal 2. Nor does God use ordinary means to accomplish His plans.

Are you in the middle of a drought? Do you not see any rain in the forecast? Are you down to your last morsel of food? Your last gallon of gas? Your last ounce of energy? They say it is always darkest before the storm, but with the storm will come the rain. Holy Spirit reign down. Fear not, for Jehovah Jireh is your provider. 

Prayer: Lord, You and You alone are my provider. I thank You that Your ways are higher than my ways, and Your thoughts higher than mine. May I never doubt Your faithfulness. Those who fear You will lack nothing. I choose to put my trust in You (Jehovah Jireh) today. In Jesus name, Amen.