"You will drink from the brook, and I have ordered the ravens to feed you there." — 1 Kings 17:4
God never runs out of options. When our backs are up against the wall, He has wonderful creative alternatives. Stop and think about it. How many times in history have ravens brought meals to hungry people? As far as I know, it only happened once. Another time when people were hungry, God rained down manna and quail. Another time, He split open loaves and fish. Another time he made the flour and oil jars bottomless. And then, I know of stories of groceries being left on doorsteps, of money miraculously appearing in mailboxes — well, hey, I’ve experienced those things myself.
One bitterly cold day I was walking along a river just downstream from a dam in Ohio. It was so cold that I was wearing two pairs of gloves and an insulated jumpsuit – and I was still shivering. The whole world was frozen, except for the rapid water flowing downstream from the dam. I thought for sure I would be the only person crazy enough to be out on day like this, but I was wrong. I came across a man wearing waders, knee deep in the river, fly fishing. As I trudged by, I mumbled some comment about us being crazy to be out on such a cold day.
He laughed. "It’s a wonderful day," he said, and his eyes sparkled when he said it.
I’ve thought about that encounter many times since, because his response reminds me so much of God. Even though everybody else is complaining, God is having the time of His life.
Be encouraged!
Dwight
Dwight Clough is the author of four Christian books and is an active member of Lake City Church in Madison. This devotional is also available via email and you may review the archives back to 2002. To contact Dwight or Kim, use their contact form. You may also support their ministry.