Rely on the Source

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1 Kings 17:8-16

From God's perspective, being in need can be spiritually beneficial. When
the bottom drops out of our imaginary financial security bubble, we will
discover the reality that all provision comes from His hand. The Lord uses
various instruments to meet needs, but He alone is the source of all we
possess or earn.

God can use traditional means--like an employer--or remarkable
methods to supply our needs. Elijah had learned to live by faith in the
unusual ways of the Lord: he'd been fed by ravens. Now God sent him to
Zarephath, to a starving widow with no ability to feed him.

Every financial need is an opportunity to learn to walk by faith in the
Lord as our source. Prosperity can lead to a sense of independence that
blinds us to how inadequate we actually are to provide for ourselves. We're
totally dependent upon the Father whether we know it or not.

Believing that God would provide, Elijah witnessed His miraculous
intervention. We may not see the Lord perform a supernatural work in
our financial situation. However, we can be sure that, just as God fulfilled
His promise to Elijah, He'll be faithful to His Word in our situation as well:

"My God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in
Christ Jesus" (Phil. 4:19).

Are you focusing on the instrument or the source of your provision? The
means God uses may change, but His faithfulness endures forever. He's
infinitely more reliable than any employer or 401K. The Lord is inviting
you to trust Him and live in both the adventure and security of a life of
faith.

Dr. Charles Stanley

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Are you focusing on the instrument or the source of your provision?

My oldest son (not the RA) was laid off ten months ago and hasn't been able to find work. I'm able to let that burden rest where it belongs...primarily on God & secondly on my son;yet I do have concerns about how he will manage during these tough times.

I'm reminded of so many instances when my children were small and we trusted God to provide for our needs. The money and other resources just seemed to be there.....although oftentimes at what I thought was the last minute. Provision was there...always. I'm so grateful for His loving care.

I needed a reminder. It is the Lord who provides the ability to earn money and miraculously provide for my needs in spite of scarce finances, unemployment or any other preceived threat to stability.

All the glorious, blessed testimonies in my past still haven't 'cured' me of my lack of faith. I don't expect to have perfect faith...but still ponder why I forget and I still need to be reminded to put my focus on God and not on the circumstances in my life or that of my children either. I need to be on guard to have faith and resist fear.

Most of all, I'm so grateful (and relieved!) that God's love stays constant and that He forgives and allows for my shortcomings. My focus _is_ on Him...and even when I falter and start to fear; it's a short step back to faith when I exercise the will to do so.