Bible Studies for Life: December 28
When Your Provisions Fall Short • 1 Kings 17:5-16
By Sydney Charlton
When I was an undergrad student, I had several part-time jobs — usually at least two positions at a time. With a full course load, ministry obligations, and trying to pay for books, college experiences, and bills, money was tight. One weekend, I had just paid for all of the necessities, but there was no money left to put gas in my car.
So, what do you do without gas money? You stay home! I used my weekend to clean, and in doing so, I ran across several old birthday cards. One was unopened. I smiled when I found it because it was from my 2nd birthday, given to me by my grandfather, who had passed away when I was in 3rd grade. I read the front of the card and gasped when I opened it to find a $20 bill! The card had been boxed up and unopened for 17 years, and I found it exactly when I needed it.
God has done similar things for me on numerous occasions, and it always reiterated this truth: God provides what you need when you need it.
1 Kings 17:5-7
God’s provision may not always come in the way we expect. It is unlikely that Elijah thought God would use ravens to meet his needs. God used a common fowl to bring bread and meat to him each morning and evening. Birds of all things!
God knew of Elijah’s needs, and He knew how to best meet each one. If God can use birds to provide for Elijah, why is it too difficult for you to trust Him to care for each detail of your life?
1 Kings 17:8-12
When God sent Elijah to see a widow in Zarephath, He was choosing to show Elijah that He provides in many ways. He had already used birds as his personal caterers, and now He was showing Elijah that His provision often comes through other people.
Since that college weekend when I discovered money tucked into an old birthday card, God has given me many other tangible resources through the generosity of other people. Part of God’s care for His people is allowing us to bless and serve one another. Part of the privilege of being part of the Body of Believers is being connected with people who see their resources and possessions as blessings to bestow on others.
No matter what we have access to, Christ-followers should strive to honor the Lord in the manner that we use what we have been entrusted with. When you can bless someone else, do so. When you can help someone overcome an obstacle, do so. We make much of Jesus when we help others and choose to consider the needs of others (Philippians 2:3).
1 Kings 17:13-16
When I read this passage, I think of the old hymn, “Trust and Obey.” The words written in 1887 are still true today: “Trust and obey, for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.”
Though the widow didn’t have access to this hymn at the time of helping Elijah, she knew the truth behind the lyrics. God’s provision comes when we trust and obey Him. She chose to obediently trust God’s instructions, and because of her willing obedience, Elijah was cared for.
There are people in your spheres of influence who desperately need you to be obedient to God. The trust you depict when you put faith in God to meet your needs will prompt others to do the same. Like the widow, choose to trust God and obey His instructions — especially when it doesn’t make sense. God will use your willingness to encourage others to boldly trust His provision and care for their lives.
Charlton is the OneHope Missions Assistant at Crossgates Baptist Church, Brandon.