Everyday Miracles: 20 Day Journey With Elijah And ElishaSample

God miraculously provides for His children in times of “drought.” 

When facing times of lack, we’re tempted to think God has left us alone, but, in reality, God is most present in the times of drought.

The seventeenth chapter of 1 Kings chronicles different, but parallel, proofs of God’s commitment to provide for His children. He provides ravens to bring food to Elijah. Then, God provides a poor widow of Sidon to feed the prophet. In the midst of the gift to Elijah, the Lord also provides food for the widow and then, most remarkably, He gives the gift of restored life to the widow’s son. 

Elijah was in the middle of a long drought that God would end with the sound of the rushing of rain three years later. God can (and will) end every drought, but, as the drought tarries, God provides. 

When the Apostle Paul pleaded with God to remove his “thorn” (a chronic, harassing demonic spirit), God denied the request but issued a prevailing promise: “My grace is sufficient for you….” (2 Corinthians 12:9, ESV). Of course, God could have stamped out the spiritual persecution that plagued Paul. And, of course, Christ will one day return and end the spiritual battles you face. But now, in this “in between” time before Christ’s return, God provides miraculous grace for you to face the searing heat and drought of any wilderness. 

When you face a drought – when the ease and comfort of life dries up – it isn’t a sign that God has abandoned you. Quite the opposite, God uses droughts to prove His presence. When we want the thorn removed, sometimes God leaves it and, instead, gives us His power. When we want the drought ended, sometimes God leaves it, and instead, feeds us by the ravens. God doesn’t provide for you by removing all your challenges; He provides for you by giving you ample grace to face the challenges. If you were never hungry, how would you find an appetite for food? If you were never in a drought, how would you ever savor the sweetness of cool water? If you’re facing a drought, it’s not a sign of God’s absence; it’s a promise of God’s presence. And that’s the Gospel!

Questions for Reflection:

1) Think of some seasons of “drought” (times of material or relational lack) in your life. What were some of your temptations during the “drought?”

2) Again, as you remember the seasons of “drought” in your life, how did God provide for you? List some of the specific ways God provided:

3) As you look over the course of your life, what are the most surprising ways that God has provided for you? Journal your heart of gratitude to God for His surprising provision when you’ve needed it most.

Prayer for the Day: 

Lord, though I long for every drought to end, I choose to trust you no matter how dry life gets. You, O Jehovah Jireh, provide my every need. You see all, you know all, and you never leave me. Help my heart to be still and know that you are God. Grant me confidence in your Word that sustains me during times of uncertainty. And give me eyes to see your provision today no matter what I face. In Jesus’s name, AMEN.