Receiving God’s Provision

When we look at this passage relative to the provision of God, our attention goes to the widow of Zarephath; however, if we pay close attention the Prophet Elijah gives us some pointers on how to receive God’s provision.

You’ve got to trust God’s protection. 

The new king over Israel did more evil and more to provoke God’s anger than all the kings of Israel. The Baal worshipers believed that Baal was the prophet of rain. Sometimes when it comes to the provision of God, we have to stand up to those who hold the purse. God is our provider and our source and we do not have to go to our job and compromise who we are. You’ve got to trust God’s protection. Trust God while we are waiting for His provision. Stuff happens to everybody but that does not mean that God is not working on our behalf. You may go through it with the world for a while, but God comes to a point where He says enough is enough.

You’ve got to accept God’s channel. 

Elijah did not confuse the channel with the source. God provided the food, the raven was the transportation. It is not our responsibility to question what God can do and how He is going to do it. Accept the message and the channel. You will sit in your mess until you receive God’s message. There is only one source, he has many channels. (Verse 2)

You’ve got to obey God’s instruction. 

You can accept who He says and not accept what He says. When God speaks a word of instruction, that is not a point of negotiation. The blessing is contingent on the obedience. (Verse 5)

You’ve got to recognize God’s purpose. 

Don’t get discouraged when the brook dries up. It means you are on to the next chapter. When your need comes—your provision is there. Elijah did according to the Word of God, the widow did according to the prophet—Elijah. (Verse 7)

“Sometimes we are so busy looking in the barrel, we don’t recognize the blessing.”—Dr. D’Ann Johnson.

Sometimes He leaves enough provision for us to go encourage someone else. You and I can circumvent the provision when we don’t do what we need to do. The need is not the issue, but the faith we walk in while waiting for the need.