She went away and did as Elijah had told her. SO there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family. For the jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry, in keeping with the word of the LORD spoken by Elijah. 1 Kings 17:15-16 (NIV)
Elijah, like most prophets, spoke God’s word when there was no evidence to support the word. He lived his life by faith not by sight! I have heard the argument that it was easier to live by faith “back then†because there was not the technology or the known information as we have now. (Give me a break!) How arrogant to think that we know so much now! Frankly, the older I get, the more I read, the more I know that I don’t know!
You may never read this next statement again in one of these devotions: Pick up a newspaper or go to a news website. Scan the headlines. Do you come away feeling ‘worried’? ‘Concerned’? ‘Confused’? ‘Mad’? ‘Frustrated’? ‘Uncertain’? Now is the time to live by faith, not by sight! (2 Corinthians 5:7)
God gave me many gifts. He gave me a brain to read and discern. He blessed me with a wise husband and friends. I also have smart children. But the headlines and world events are far-reaching and teams of experts argue about what is best. To make business and personal decisions in this economy I need Someone with eyes that can see farther than me or the experts! I need Someone who is wiser than me or the experts. I need God.
I am blessed to have a husband who thinks it is ‘normal’ to pray before we discuss decisions and make the decision. No matter how seemingly obvious or complicated a situation…praying first brings that peace that we have consulted the wisest and are seeking His plan for our lives in all aspects. It is wonderful when God confirms the answer through us both. That doesn’t always happen. Sometimes when God speaks His word to Henry, it is because we have that covenant relationship that I have peace about trusting Henry and God. Our relationship is a daily walk, personally and together, to keep us all on the same path.
In Jesus’ words on the mountain (Matthew 5-7), He tells me that I must choose who I will serve. Once I have made that decision – then don’t worry about my life. He will take care of my needs. I am to look for my life in His kingdom and desire a relationship with Him above all else and everything else will be handled by Him.
If you do not have a Wednesday Bible study or service to attend, take 30 minutes and read those three chapters in Matthew. Strengthen your steps of faith.
