Miraculous Provisions

Life is an interesting journey! Not many would dispute that fact. There are highs and lows, ups and downs, much like a roller coaster. Some days are tranquil like the lake on a still morning. Other days are chaotic and remind us that a storm is brewing. Is it possible to handle all life brings and not lose hope?

The truth is that everyone has or will experience disappointment, discouragement, and possibly suffering. Is there a time when discouragement was hovering, yet something transpired, and that heaviness lifted?

This is a personal story about just such a time. The grief of losing a parent was lingering. Plus, an elderly mom was living with us, and we were helping with grandkids. The point is that my husband and I felt sandwiched and stressed in this new season of life. We had just bought a used car and headed off for a road trip to San Diego. About an hour from Yuma, Arizona in the middle of nowhere we hear a noise, then another. People driving by were making all kinds of hand signs to stop. Immediately pulling over, we exit the car to see not one, not two, but three flat tires. We looked at each other like what, how? A tow truck was called and there we sat waiting. I felt so low at that moment that the tears started to flow. Not wanting hubby to see, I turned my head opposite him. That's when my eyes were opened. There in the middle of nowhere in the desert about a half mile away I saw a cross. Taking a deep breath, my eyes cleared, and I sensed these words, “I see you.” God had provided just the right encouragement we needed at that moment.

Let's look at how the people of Israel were often given encouragement and shown what to do. The NLT Study Bible defines a prophet as an interpreter of the times and of people’s hearts; one who issues divinely inspired revelations. In other words, a person who has been given a gift and the words to say. “I will raise up a prophet like you from among their fellow Israelites. I will put my words in his mouth, and he will tell the people everything I command him.” Deuteronomy 18:18 NLT 2008.

The Old Testament prophets had a significant impact on Israel and Judah. They were spokesmen provided by God to meet the needs of the people, confront kings, and perform miracles. Their primary focus was pointing Israel to follow the one true God.

Elijah was a prophet of the northern kingdom during King Ahab’s reign which was 874-853 BC. The northern kingdom consisted of ten tribes and was referred to as the Kingdom of Israel. The remaining two tribes, Judah and Benjamin, made up the southern kingdom known as the Kingdom of Judah.

King Ahab married Jezebel who was the daughter of King Ethbaal of Sidon. He was heavily influenced by her and replaced the worship of God with Baal which was a fertility and storm-god. Elijah confronted Ahab and Jezebel and their self-appointed prophets. In addition, he performed the miracle of stopping any rain as a direct assault upon Baal. Being a humble servant, Elijah had no intent of showcasing himself but rather allowing God to show up and provide.

The next plot of the story is where God tells Elijah to go hide at Kerith Brook during the drought. He would have water and the ravens would bring him food. (See 1 Kings 17:1-6 for the complete text). A side note - the specific food the ravens provided remains a mystery. The Israelites were forbidden in the law to eat any raven (Deuteronomy 14:14). In Leviticus 7:24, Moses was told not to eat any animal killed by another beast.

The Lord’s Promise: “Then the Lord said to Elijah, go to the east and hide by Kerith Brook, near where it enters the Jordan River.” 1 Kings 17:2-3 NLT 2008.

Promise Reinforced: “Drink from the brook and eat what the ravens bring you, for I have commanded them to bring you food.” 1 Kings 17:4 NLT 2008.

For You Today: Elijah received provisions to sustain him through the drought. The Old Testament story of Abraham was similar. “Then Abraham looked up and saw a ram caught by its horns in a thicket. So he took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering in place of his son. Abraham named the place Yahweh-Yireh (which means ‘the Lord will provide’).” Genesis 22:13-14 NLT 2008. Remember, the provision can look very different from what you think it should. Be willing to open your eyes, trust, and allow hope to be restored.