I have read prophet Elijah's story in 1 Kings many times. But as I was reading it this week and retelling the story to our son, I got to learn it from a child's perspective. I looked for the language to explain so that he could understand without raising more questions. How do you explain some things like the killing of 450 of Baal's prophets to a 3-year old?
I was encouraged to note how God provided for Elijah when he - through the command of God - declared drought in the land:
1. The Lord asked him to camp at a ravine and He sent ravens to bring him meat and bread each morning and evening while he drank from the brook. (1Kings 17:1-6).
2. When the brook dried, God sent him to a widow in Zarephath of Sidon (outside of Israel). At the Word of the Lord, the flour and oil never dried until when it rained! (1 Kings 17:7-16).
3. After the contest at Mount Carmel, yes the rain came after 3 and a half years of drought. But Elijah had to run for his life and hide from Jezebel. While in the desert, God sent an angel twice to bring him water and bread. (1 Kings 19:1-9)
This is a great assurance now that our economies are being shaken because of the pandemic, some people are being laid out of work and most businesses have been closed down or are experiencing losses. It is an uncertain time even for those still in employment.
Let us be encouraged that our Father is able to provide for our basic needs both during the crises and after. He feeds the birds everyday. Since we are of more worth than the birds, we can be assured of His provision (Mat. 6:25-34).
May this assurance produce a quiet trust and confidence in Him!
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