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Today's Bible Verse:

"GOD then told Elijah, 'Get out of here, and fast. Head east and hide out at the Kerith Ravine on the other side of the Jordan River. You can drink fresh water from the brook; I've ordered the ravens to feed you.' Elijah obeyed GOD's orders. He went and camped in the Kerith canyon on the other side of the Jordan. And sure enough, ravens brought him his meals, both breakfast and supper, and he drank from the brook." 1 Kings 17:2-6 (MSG)
 

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Food From Heaven. The Witness, Part 8

A terrible drought was coming and Elijah had warned about it to King Ahab. The king wasn't pleased.
Elijah obeyed God's orders. He went and camped in the Kerith Canyon on the other side of the Jordan, and sure enough, ravens brought him bread and meat, and he had water from the brook. All his necessities were met. He was provided for by our Heavenly Father.

Notice that Elijah had to obey God's orders to get what God had promised him.

When our Heavenly Father speaks, it happens. No doubt about it! If God could feed all those Israelites during the Exodus for years on end, He can feed one man as well! He cares for us, and as long as we depend solely on Him, miracles will occur. Who else was fed with meat and bread by the ravens?

Our Father has many ways to provide to us. Jesus multiplied the few fish and bread that He had, for example, and this still happens today. And He also has other ways to meet our needs. I have shared in the past how God fed me when I was hungry and had no money in my wallet. This is what happened...

It had been an ordinary, busy day. I had attended classes at the seminary in France in the morning and had just spent my afternoon working at the Calvin Center in Geneva. For some reason, I left the Centre a little late, and I knew I wouldn't make it back to the seminary in time for dinner. I would have to stop somewhere in Geneva to get something to eat.

As I set out to find a restaurant, however, I couldn't shake the nagging feeling that there was something very wrong with this plan. It was a few minutes before it dawned on me: I had spent my last Swiss francs just that morning on gas! At the next stop light, I pulled out my wallet to double check. Sure enough, it was empty. I pushed my wallet back into my pocket with just a little more force than necessary. What good was a wallet anyway, if there wasn't any money in it?

I reluctantly turned my car down the road that led to the French/Swiss border. I would simply have to go hungry tonight! But for some reason, when I passed Migros, a popular chain of grocery stores in Switzerland, I turned into the parking lot.

I didn't understand my actions. After all, there was no way they would sell me food without any money, and being a student, I didn't have a credit card. But some force stronger than me seemed to be dictating that I be there. I quietly bowed my head: "Lord, I don't know what to do. The cafeteria is closed. I'm hungry and I don't have any money. Please help me! Thanks for providing for me. In Jesus' mighty name, Amen."

Again being pulled by a force that I couldn't seem to resist, I got out of my car and went into the grocery store. Boy, was that pure torture. Just looking at food made my stomach growl and my mouth water! I could only stand it for a few minutes, then I turned and bolted back to my car. As I neared my parking spot, however, I noticed something laying on the pavement. To my amazement, it was a bill for 5 Swiss Francs! I picked it up and looked around to see who it might belong to; but the parking lot was empty. Immediately, I heard a peaceful inner voice:

"This is my gift for you."

Those 5 Swiss Francs were just enough for a nice meal, and I was able to return to my dorm room completely satisfied.

Why do we worry so much? Can worry add any comfort or relief to our tumultuous lives? Can worry procure us a good night sleep? Can worry bless us in any way?

Jesus is clear on this matter: Matthew 6: 31-32: "So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' Or 'What shall we drink?' Or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them." (NIV)

Why worry if God knows our needs? Isn't He faithful? Doesn't He always come to our rescue?

Matthew 6: 33: "Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (NIV). When we search for God instead of pursuing our worries, not only will God let us catch Him, but He will satisfy our needs as well.

Why worry? God's Holy Spirit will provide to us. "If we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness." Romans 8:25 (NIV)

Rob Chaffart

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