The Ridiculous Ways of God and Our Faith

1 Kings 17:3-4

New International Version

“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.”

For Encouragement

This Papa we serve is amazing! He does things in ways we cannot understand. Sometimes His methods seem hard to believe, but they are true. God’s word is creative, healing, fulfilling, and satisfying. It is the best food for the soul and spirit. The sooner we accept and trust it, the better life becomes for us.

Look at what God commanded after Elijah declared there would be no dew or rain for years (1 Kings 17:1). Elijah had challenged the sinful ways of his people, especially King Ahab and Jezebel. She threatened Elijah’s safety, so the King pursued him with hatred (1 Kings 18:9-10, 17). God told Elijah to hide in the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan River (17:3). Can you imagine being told to hide from a mere human? God could have kept Elijah safe in a bolder way, but His methods serve a purpose. God required Elijah’s faith and obedience to fulfill His plan. Even more surprising, God told Elijah, “You will drink from the brook, and I have directed the ravens to supply you with food there” (4). Birds feeding a man? It sounds impossible, yet God did it again.

Where is faith in hard times? Where is the knowledge of God when you need your faith most, and patience when you feel angry with someone who seems to make your life difficult? Still, walking with God requires faith and obedience to receive from Him. As it is written: “Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see” (Heb. 11:1), and “Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and rewards those who earnestly seek him” (vs. 6).

Walk through the Hall of Faith, and you will see it is impossible to receive from God or endure hardship without complete faith in Him and His sometimes hard word (John 6:60). That is why believers live by faith, not by sight (2 Cor. 5:7).

The good news is that we can learn from Elijah’s faith. We can reflect on what helped him trust such a surprising message from God and act on it without delay. It is comforting that Elijah followed God’s instructions. He found refreshment at the brook and received food from the ravens, just as God promised (1 Kings 17:5-6).

Do not dismiss every hard and unfamiliar situation as the work of Satan just because it does not fit your experience with God. God surprises us often! Train your ears to recognize His voice. Learn to discern His word and direction so you can obey Him. Build your faith like Elijah, Mary, and other faithful believers. Let your faith grow through challenging times and allow grace to refresh you. 

Pray with Me

Glorious Father, thank you for your wonderful deeds that amaze us. Your works show your glory and power as King Eternal. We give you praise as we experience your works, even those that seem hard to believe, but reveal Jesus Christ to us. In His name we pray. Amen.

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