The book of Kings speaks of a famine induced by the voice of the prophet Elijah against the wicked King Ahab. The next verse depicts the instruction of the Lord to Elijah to… “hide thyself by the brook Cherith…thou shalt drink; I have commanded the ravens to feed thee there.” During the length of the famine a daily miracle occurred by Cherith. Ravens brought bread and meat to the man of God to sustain him. And the question is answered: Can God provide a fountain in the wilderness? Yes!
In the middle of it all, God provides everything we need. He was a shelter for His people as they escaped the grip of Pharaoh. He was the pillar of fire to lead them in the dark of night. He was the rock from which water flowed… that rock followed them for 40 years in the desert. In whatever situation they found themselves, the Lord provided help and strength.
The problem is that humanity has never truly been content with the Lord’s provisions. God gives, but the people want more. Carnal men and women push the boundaries of God’s sustaining power. Adam and Eve had everything to their disposal, but they wanted more and it became their downfall. Jesus set the example when He prayed, “Give us this day our daily bread…” but we want more than a daily provision. Israel murmured at the manna because it was redundant and could not be stored. Can you imagine that daily miracles can be despised? God will provide, but it might be for the moment.
Truth be told, we battle our sinful nature of greed, self-sufficiency, and pride. It’s hard for us to rely upon the daily bread that comes from the Lord. Prophecies of coming blessings can be intoxicating to a distrusting heart. I submit that the Lord has never failed His people and He will do what He said He will do. I believe that if we look closely, the Lord has already given what we need even if we think it is not enough. He has provided His Holy Spirit; a place of worship; a spiritual body of believers; and daily provisions for our lives. Knowing all these things I have come with a heart of thanksgiving and a mouth filled with praise. He is Jehovah-Jireh: The Lord Who provides.
Pastor Jeffrey Harpole
