Wednesday Reflection, June 10, 2020 God Provides

Wednesday Reflection, June 10, 2020

God Provides

King Ahab and his wife Jezebel, were two of the most nefarious characters in biblical history. 1 Kings 17 introduces us to what could be described as a very significant standoff between the King and the prophet Elijah.

Elijah straight up tells the king that there would be no rain for two years unless he, the Lord’s servant received instructions from God and spoke it.

In Jamaica we could say, based on the declaration Elijah made, that “him have big chat” and why wouldn’t he? He represented the Most High, the voice of final authority.

So he delivers the message to the king and then receives instructions to hide himself by the brook of Cherith. Naturally, Elijah could not have delivered the Lord’s message to Ahab and remain in place for his life was in danger.

As he hides by the brook, the Bible tells us that the Lord commanded Ravens to deliver his morning and evening meals. Because of the drought, the brook eventually went dry and so it was time for the prophet to leave that particular hiding place.

So the Lord then instructed him to go to Zarephath where He has already made provisions for him through a widow. Elijah gets to the gate, finds the woman gathering sticks. He asks for water and while she goes to fetch that he appeals to her to bring him as small piece of bread.

She turned around and informed him that all she had was a handful of meal and a little oil. Her plan was to prepare a meal for herself and her son, they would eat it and then die. Since that was all she had left.

In this story, God’s Providence is evident throughout. The themes of humility, honesty and obedience are highlighted. The prophet tells the dear widow not to be afraid but to do as she intended but first make him a cake and then make another for herself and her son for the Lord said, the oil and meal would not run out until He sent rain.

My friends, what an incredibly amazing God we serve! Every believer has accounts of high and low points; Elijah had just completed an important task for the Lord but instead of a celebration he had to go into hiding but notice how the Lord was with him all the way.

In today’s watchword, 1 Kings 17:16 says, ” and the barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail, according to the word of the Lord, which he spake by Elijah.

There may be days when it would appear the oil and meal are running out; likewise your faith, patience and whatever else you may think you’ve been holding in reserve. Dear friend, trust the Lord to grant you endurance and to keep you faithful through the power of humility and obedience as you trust Him to provide.

Until next week, I leave you with the words of Victoria Osteen, “may you open your heart and invite God into every circumstance because when God enters the scene, miracles happen.”

Amen

Kerone Lamoth