Throughout our journey in life, there will be seasons when we will experience difficult times. It’s not a matter of if we will face “hard times” or experience a “famine” time, but when we will experience these things. And it’s when we experience these difficult times that our God, our loving Father, has given us His promise that He will take care of us. Would you make a note of two of His promises of provision below?
Promise #1 - “And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:19 NLT)
Promise #2 - “Day by day the Lord takes care of the innocent, and they will receive an inheritance that lasts forever. They will not be disgraced in hard times; even in famine they will have more than enough.” (Ps. 37:18-19 NLT)
Today, we will take a look into the life of a child of God, in which God will demonstrate His love and provision during difficult times. The man’s name is Elijah and he has been given a word from God that there will be no dew or rain in the land during the next few years, because God is big-time upset with an evil king named Ahab. So guess what that news means? It means that not only will this famine affect Israel, but it will also affect Elijah, God's child.
Would you watch with me now and see how God will hold true to His promise and will make sure that Elijah, His child, is taken care of during the difficult times while famine is in the land.
“Then the Lord said to Elijah, “Go to the east and hide by Kerith Brook, near where it enters the Jordan River. Drink from the brook and eat what the ravens bring you, for I have commanded them to bring you food.” So Elijah did as the Lord told him and camped beside Kerith Brook, east of the Jordan. The ravens brought him bread and meat each morning and evening, and he drank from the brook.” (1 Kings 17:2-7 NLT)
Friends that is a beautiful picture of the heart of God…His protection, His Love and His provision! Listen, God’s provision may not always look like we think it should look….but the fact-of-the-matter is that He has promised to take care of us during the hard times and He is FAITHFUL!!! And just like Elijah, we must also listen to His voice obey what He tells us to do. Because where the Lord guides, He will provide.
Right now if you are walking through a “hard time” or a “famine” time, please remember that your God has promised to take care of you! He will not fail you or forsake you! You are His child! And in the midst of the battle, pick up your Sword (the Word of God) and begin to fight the good fight of faith. You can start with the two promises above. It may sound something like this:
“The Lord has given me a promise that day after day He will take care of me. Even in the “hard times” and the “famine” times and I will have more than enough! My God will supply ALL of my needs because He is my Father and He loves me!” Remember, Faith comes by hearing so say it out loud if you can…over and over again. Don’t give doubt and unbelief the slightest chance to set in. Your God is FAITHFUL!