Kingdom Supply
Financial advisors often ask, “Will your nest egg last as long as you
do?” It’s a difficult question. How do we know how long we’ll last?
Of course, it’s
important to plan ahead and budget carefully. But it’s also important to rest
our spirits on this heartening word from Jesus:
And don’t worry about food—what to eat and drink. Don’t worry whether
God will provide it for you….your Father already knows your needs. He will give
you all you need from day to day if you make the Kingdom of God your primary
concern. So don’t be afraid, little flock... (Luke 12:29-32 NLT)
This promise has a lifetime guarantee. Those who prioritize the Kingdom
can rely on God’s supply for basic needs.
This principle shines brightly even
in the Old Testament. Consider an example from Elijah’s life as he serves the
Lord.
I KINGS 17:1-7. When the
famine in Israel begins, the Lord tells Elijah to flee from King Ahab: “Go to the east and hide by Kerith
Brook….Drink from the brook and eat what the ravens bring you, for I have
commanded them to bring you food” (v. 3-4).
So Elijah enjoys avian delivery
of meat twice a day. Using a few birds and a bubbling brook, God cares for
Elijah at the beginning of the drought.
I
KINGS 17:8-15. As the famine worsens, the Lord sends Elijah far to the
west: “Go and live in the village of
Zarephath, near the city of Sidon. I have instructed a widow there to feed you”
(v. 9).
This time the Lord meets Elijah’s needs through an unlikely human
source—an impoverished widow with meager supplies.
The widow’s obedience allows
her and her son and the prophet to enjoy daily meals for the duration of the
3½-year drought. God cares for Elijah with continuing slices of miracle bread.
I KINGS 19:1-8. At the dramatic
conclusion of the drought, Elijah faces a terrible threat from Queen Jezebel.
Fearful for his life, he flees far south to the
wilderness. He is so discouraged that he prays to die and collapses into exhausted sleep.
wilderness. He is so discouraged that he prays to die and collapses into exhausted sleep.
An angel awakens
him with freshly baked bread and water, telling him twice to eat: “Get up and eat some more, or the journey
ahead will be too much for you” (v. 7). Using angelic means, God feeds
Elijah in the desert.
Wherever Elijah goes—east, northwest, south—he remains
under God’s care. God’s methods of supply are creative and varied. The Lord
uses nature, humans, and the supernatural to provide the basics for his
servant.
This same Father God cares for us: “I
will be your God throughout your lifetime—until your hair is white with age. I
made you, and I will care for you” (Isaiah 46:4).
No matter our age, let’s
keep the kingdom of God in top priority. Then let us rest our souls on God’s
promise of kingdom supply!
©MarionSpeicherBrown
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