In the realm where divine control resides,
Where His love, in every moment, abides.
He's with us always, in every stride,
Caring, providing, being our guide.
In ways unseen, in ways so broad,
Not just the ordinary, but by the nod
Of the miraculous, His blessings flow,
In His provision, we grow.
Through hardship's grip, through adversity's tide,
In God's provision, we confide.
Even when sense to us, it doesn't make,
We trust in Him, for His name's sake.
His voice we heed, His guidance, our light,
In faith, we walk, be it day or night.
His promises, a beacon so bright,
Even when the outcome is out of sight.
In His provision, we place our trust,
Obey His commands, as we must.
In His promises, we find our thrust,
Acknowledging His sovereignty, in Him we adjust.
Even in circumstances, challenging and vast,
With faith in God, we hold steadfast.
For He is in control, His love so vast,
In His divine plan, we are cast.
REFLECTION:
The Lord then said to Elijah: “Leave here, go east and hide in the Wadi Cherith, east of the Jordan. You shall drink of the stream, and I have commanded ravens to feed you there.” (1 Kings 17:2-4)
God is in control. He is always with us, caring for us and providing for our needs in ways we may not expect. If not by the ordinary, He will provide in a miraculous way.
Even in times of hardship and adversity, we should always trust in God’s provision. It is important to listen to God’s voice, follow His guidance, and have faith in His promises even when it doesn’t make sense to us or we can’t see the outcome.
Let us trust in God’s provision, obey His commands, have faith in His promises, and acknowledge His sovereignty, even in the most challenging circumstances.
Dear Heavenly Father,
We acknowledge that You are in control, Your love and care are constant, never taking a toll. You are always with us, in every fold, providing for our needs, both new and old. In ways we may not expect, You make a way, if not by the ordinary, then in a display of Your miraculous power, come what may, even in times of hardship, Your provision holds sway.
Help us to listen to Your voice, to heed Your call, to follow Your guidance, in matters big and small. Even when it doesn't make sense, when we can't see it all, help us to have faith in Your promises, to stand tall. In the most challenging circumstances, in every situation, let us trust in Your provision, without hesitation. Help us to obey Your commands, with dedication, and acknowledge Your sovereignty, with adoration.
In Jesus' name, we pray,
Amen.
Pericope:
III: Stories of the Prophets
DROUGHT PREDICTED BY ELIJAH
1 Kings 17:1-6
First Reading | 1 Kings 17:1-6
1 Elijah the Tishbite, from Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab: “As the Lord, the God of Israel, lives, whom I serve, during these years there shall be no dew or rain except at my word.” 2 The Lord then said to Elijah: 3 “Leave here, go east and hide in the Wadi Cherith, east of the Jordan. 4 You shall drink of the stream, and I have commanded ravens to feed you there.” 5 So he left and did as the Lord had commanded. He went and remained by the Wadi Cherith, east of the Jordan. 6 Ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning, and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the stream.
Background:
1 Kings 17:1-6 is set in the northern kingdom of Israel during a time of great spiritual darkness and apostasy. The people had turned away from God, and as a result, they were experiencing hard times.
The prophet Elijah suddenly appears in this context. His name, which means “Yahweh is my God,” was a bold declaration of faith in a time when the worship of the true God was being suppressed. Elijah prophesied to King Ahab that there would be a severe drought in the land of Israel. This drought, which would last for three and a half years, was a divine judgment on the wicked kingdom of northern Israel.
Following God’s command, Elijah retreated to the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan. Here, in a miraculous demonstration of God’s provision, Elijah was sustained by ravens that brought him food, and he drank from the brook.
This passage highlights the dynamics of faith, trust, miracles, and divine provision. It showcases Elijah’s unyielding faith in God’s promise and His ability to provide, even in the most challenging circumstances. It’s a powerful reminder that even in times of judgment and hardship, God cares for His faithful servants and provides for their needs in miraculous ways.
This story encourages us to trust in God’s provision, especially in challenging circumstances. It shows us that when we act in faith and obedience, God miraculously provides5. Even in despair, our faith can lead to miracles and the confirmation of God’s truth.
Learning Lessons:
1 Kings 17:1-6 offers several valuable lessons for our spiritual journey:
Trust in God’s Provision: Elijah trusted in God’s word and followed His instructions, even when it meant going to a desolate place. God provided for Elijah’s needs in a miraculous way, with ravens bringing him food and a brook for water. This teaches us to trust in God’s provision, even in the most challenging circumstances.
Obedience to God’s Command: Elijah obeyed God’s command without question. His obedience demonstrates the importance of listening to God’s voice and following His guidance, even when it doesn’t make sense to us.
God’s Care in Difficult Times: Despite the severe drought, God took care of Elijah. This shows that God cares for His people and provides for them, even in times of hardship and adversity.
Faith in God’s Promises: Elijah had faith in God’s promises. He believed that God would take care of him, even in a desolate place. This teaches us to have faith in God’s promises, even when we can’t see the outcome.
God’s Sovereignty: The drought was a result of God’s judgment on the wicked kingdom of Israel. Yet, in His sovereignty, God provided for Elijah. This reminds us that God is in control, even in times of judgment and hardship.
These lessons from 1 Kings 17:1-6 encourage us to trust in God’s provision, obey His commands, have faith in His promises, and acknowledge His sovereignty, even in challenging circumstances. They remind us that God is always with us, caring for us and providing for our needs in ways we may not expect. (Conversation with Copilot)
