1 Kings 17:15 She went away and did as Elijah had told her. So there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family.

God’s provision is sure. The reason we don’t recognize that is that we often have distorted goals and desires. James expressed it as wanting to use God’s provision for our own lusts. (James 4:3) Jesus was a bit more broad, saying that a focus on anything other than God’s kingdom and His righteousness might miss God’s supply. (Matthew 6:33) If Elijah and the widow had been focused on wanting fancy food, they wouldn’t have been in a position to receive God’s provision of whole-grain bread to keep them alive through the famine. Likewise, if the woman hadn’t been willing to use what she thought was her last bit of flour to feed Elijah, there again they wouldn’t have seen God’s provision. The problem is never God’s provision, but rather our perception. Eyes of faith will see it, but eyes without faith may very well not. God isn’t stingy, even with unfaithful people, but they end up with plenty of anxiety along with their provisions. Focusing on God in obedient trust is unquestionably the path to peace and blessing.

This is very timely, when this is a financially tight time of year. If I am focused on what I think I have and what I think I need, anxiety will be the order of the day. If I am focused on God and what He wants, then peace and joy will be the order of the day. There are those in the church in tighter financial straits than I am by a long shot. I cannot be effective in pointing them to Christ if I’m not walking in trust myself. If my focus is on what I’m going to need next week, again I will be anxious. That’s not to say I’m not to plan, but it is to say I’m to walk in trust. Jesus didn’t tell us to pray, “Give us today what we need for next week,” He said, “Give us today what we need for today.” (Matthew 6:11) We are very adept at swallowing the devil’s “what if” bait, which gets us hooked on anxiety. I need to lead the way for the believers in trusting God’s provision through a wholehearted commitment to obedience to Him.

Father, thank You for this reminder. Thank You for the countless times You have proven Yourself faithful. Thank You for the abundant provision You have poured out over the years. Thank You for the many things You are doing in this church right now. Help us walk in full assurance that where You guide, You provide, so that we won’t draw back from anything You have for us to receive, to do, to be, so that Your plans may be fulfilled in and through us on Your schedule for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!