November 09, 2023

Being Fed in Unlikely Ways

1 Kings 17:1-6

“You will drink from the brook, and I have directed the ravens to supply you with food there.”

—  1 Kings 17:4

There are so many radio stations where I live that the possibilities for listening to all kinds of songs can seem endless. For a time, though, one song seemed to be aired far more often than others—or at least I paid more attention to it than to others. It was meant to be a love song, not necessarily a worship song, but whenever I heard it, it felt like God’s Spirit was whispering: “Come and spend time with me. Let me shower you with love for a while.” This happened during a time when I was busy and tired, and the Spirit’s nudging in my heart to linger in his presence was a tender reminder that he wouldn’t leave me to flounder.

Sometimes God meets us in ways that are unexpected—and maybe even unconventional. When Elijah was alone in the wilderness, God cared for him in a way that was considered taboo or impossible at that time. Ravens were unclean birds, so receiving food directly from their mouths would have seemed strange for Elijah. He might have wondered if it was even okay to receive help from something that was considered off limits. But God can potentially use anything to bring restoration, whether it’s ravens or songs on a radio.

Lord, we are amazed that nothing is too hard for you and that you will come to reach us wherever we are. Thank you for doing what it takes to restore us to you. We live by grace in the power of your name. Amen.

About the author — Julia Prins Vanderveen

Julia Prins Vanderveen works and lives in Vancouver, British Columbia, with her husband, Trevor, and their three sons. Julia has served as a copastor with Trevor at a church in Vancouver. She is a campus pastor and a humanities teacher at the Vancouver Christian School.

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