How to experience God ’ s providence in times of economic uncertainty
CHRISTIAN LIVING
RIDING OUT THE STORM
I
f WE ARE LOOKING FOR EXPLICIT , step-by-step instructions from Scripture on how to deal with economic crisis , we will be disappointed . However , it doesn ’ t mean that we cannot glean important principles from the Bible on dealing with hard times .
Let ' s take for example the prophet Elijah , who was fed by ravens and a widow during famine . How God chooses the most unlikely sources of sustenance to meet His servants ’ needs is indeed mind boggling and unfathomable .
Divine providence comes to us in wondrous and diverse ways . We should not try to limit the workings of an infinite and omnipotent God .
Firstly , Elijah was told to go a brook , near the Jordan river , where ravens would feed him . For water , he merely needed to help himself from the brook .
When the brook dried up , the prophet was told to go to the village of Zarephath in the territory of his enemy , Jezebel . God was trying to tell Elijah that
How to experience God ’ s providence in times of economic uncertainty
BY DR LIM POH ANN
He can protect him , even in the enemy ’ s lair . We would have surmised that Elijah would be directed to a rich man ’ s house for his provision . But God chose an unlikely candidate , a poor widow , to feed the prophet .
Those who serve God must put full confidence in Him in times of need . Elijah and the widow relied entirely on God for their sustenance .
Elijah was blessed when he obeyed God ’ s instructions to go to the brook and , later , to Gentile territory . His needs were miraculously met through unclean birds and a poor widow .
Similarly , the widow benefitted by obeying Elijah ’ s instruction to prepare a meal for him first , even before serving herself . The result was nothing short of a miracle — there was enough food for her and her son throughout the famine .
If we focus on obeying and serving God , not only will our own needs be met , we will bear fruit and bless others in times of famine . We will buck the trend during hard times ( Matthew 6:33 , Jeremiah 17:7-8 , Psalm 1:1-3 ).
The moral of the story is that we must listen to our Master ’ s instructions during hard times , which will surely befall us in these end times . But how do we hear from God ? It is by abiding in His Word , dwelling in His presence and listening to what He says to us ( John 10:27 , John 14:26 , John 15:7 , Psalm 37:18-19 ).
If we do so , we will experience His blessing and provision , which may come from various sources and “ delivered ” to us in unexpected ways — even through “ unclean birds ”.
30 ASIAN BEACON 48 # 1 December 2016 - January 2017