Unexpected
When I was a little girl God called my family to be missionaries to launch Jamaica Teen Challenge. I remember when my dad announced the news to our family that we were taking the steps to move to Jamaica and within a year we would be selling our home. I remember being excited and eager to see this tropical place! When we moved, I was only about 9 years old. I am the oldest of four children and at that time my youngest brother, Jared was only a year old. My parents probably had a lot of questions, and some of those questions were unanswered but they chose to be obedient, and we moved by faith.
During the 4 ½ years that we lived in Jamaica, I began to see and watch God’s faithfulness unfold in our lives. I witnessed the transformational power of the Holy Spirit working in people’s lives. I experienced the on-time provision of the goodness of God. There are so many stories I could share with you about the faithfulness and trustworthiness of our Heavenly Father.
One thing I have come to know is the unexpected blessings and provisions of God. God is always working on our behalf. He knows our need before we even are aware of it. God takes good care of each detail, He watches over us, and He provides everything that we need along the way as we walk in obedience and move in faith to what He has called us to do. Sometimes though, God provides in ways we don’t expect or plan but it’s through the unexpected that God shows His power and glory.
We see the unexpected way God provision unfolds in the life of Elijah found in 1 Kings 17. It’s here we read about Elijah’s loyal obedience to the Lord and where he gives a message to King Ahab saying, “As the Lord, the God of Israel, lives, whom I serve, there will be neither dew nor rain in the next few years except at my word.”
Elijah knowing that there will be a drought in the land continues to trust and believe that God will take care of him. We find God’s plan for Elijah in 1 Kings 17:2-6.
“Then the word of the Lord came to Elijah: “Leave here, turn eastward and hide in the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan. You will drink from the brook, and I have directed the ravens to supply you with food there.” So, he did what the Lord had told him. He went to the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan, and stayed there. The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the brook.”
I find this story so remarkable. Not only was Elijah’s life in danger during this time from Jezebel’s plan to kill him and the other prophets in the land but we see that God used RAVENS to bring him food…. RAVENS!!!!
I don’t know about you, but ravens would be my last choice of the type of bird that would bring me food. Let’s talk about Noah for a moment. Do you remember what happened to the raven when Noah sent it out to find land?
IT DID NOT COME BACK!
Genesis 8:7 “…and sent out a raven, and it kept flying back and forth until the water had dried up from the earth.”
Ravens are just not that reliable. Not the top pick of the bird list if you ask me.
God does not always work in the way WE think He will or should. God sometimes works and uses unlikely resources, people, and uncommon animals where we can only stand back in AWE and know without a doubt that it was God who provided and made the way!
God will use the unusual to show us how magnificent He is!
God will show up in the unexpected to reveal His perfect plan for us.
God will always keep His promises for us.
Whatever season you are finding yourself in right now I pray that you find hope and encouragement in this story and see the faithfulness of God.
I want to encourage you to take some time and reflect on the ways God has provided in your life today.
As we learn to walk by faith even when we don’t have all the answers, still making the choice to trust in God’s plan is key to living a life of obedience like Elijah. Because the truth is… God is the same in 1 Kings 17 as He is today, tomorrow, and forever!
Trust that God will speak to you, guide you, protect you, and provide for you in your pursuit of walking in obedience to what God has called you to do.
God knows you and sees you. You are not alone in your journey today. Trust in Him. Take a bold step of faith and watch Him move in your life.
You are so valuable to the kingdom of God.
Luke 12:24 says, “Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!”
You are a child of God. That is enough.
Let hope arise as we find joy in the unexpected ways God will provide!
Not only will God provide in unexpected ways for each and every one of His children but as a child of God we also play a role in helping others around us as well!
Who can you bless this week?
Be a missionary everyday.
Bethany Marshall
