Before We Need

This week's post comes from Kassie at Guiding Light From His Word

Then the LORD spoke this word to Elijah:

“Leave this place and go east and hide near Kerith Ravine east of the Jordan River.
You may drink from the stream, and I have commanded ravens to bring you food there.”
So Elijah did what the LORD said; he went to Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan,
 and lived there. The birds brought Elijah bread and meat every morning and evening,
and he drank water from the stream."
(First Kings 17:2-5)

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The interesting thing about this passage is that God said He had “commanded”,  notice that God did not tell Elijah “Go, and I will command…” or “Go, and this is what I am planning to do…”or even “Go, and this is what I am thinking to do…” God said He had commanded. This means that God had already taken care of  the need for food. He had already made provisions. Before Elijah had arrived there, gotten hungry or needed the food, God had already supplied it. Before the need was ever actually a “need”, God had already taken care of this for Elijah. All Elijah had to do was trust that God would be faithful to His word and provide what He Himself had promised. Elijah had to take God at His word and trust that the provisions God had already promised, would in fact be there.

This is an awesome reminder that God is all knowing. He already knew what Elijah would need before he ever got to this Kerith Ravine. Before God had even commanded Elijah to “GO”, God knew what was already there- the stream- but He also knew what would be missing- the food- so God provided.

This also teaches us that if God tells us to “GO” then we can trust that He has already scouted out the area, knows what is there and what we will need and will make provisions for us. The place God is sending us to may be “unknown territory” for us, but God has already gone ahead of us.

I will provide for their needs before they ask,
and I will help them while they are still asking for help.
Isa 65:24 (NCV)

Have you ever been in a situation, possibly you're praying “God please…” and then that very day, or even the day after, you read a devotional or hear a sermon, and it is exactly what you needed? That the very thing you had been thinking about, praying about, or asking about-- even the words that you used-- there it is, the answer you were seeking. Just think, in order for the answer to be given to you at the exact time you needed, weeks possibly even months before, God was working in an individual to write or prepare their thoughts to create a sermon, lesson or devotional that would eventually be placed before you at just the right time to be the answer God had for you.

Have you ever turned on the radio, or picked up a book and in the quietness of your heart, between you and God, all the sudden He is answering you. Think of all the steps, all the pieces having to be put into place just to be ready for when you needed it. Or a job that is suddenly available. You start working, and find out that the preparation or the events leading up to it’s opening for you, actually started weeks before.

Then think about the magnitude of what God would do and the lengths He will go, just for you. Before you needed it, before it was your concern or a thought, before you asked, God in heaven was already preparing to answer you.

• Today, before you go any further, remember God has already been there for you. He has already scouted out the terrain; He has already inquired, and made provisions for you. Thank God that wherever it is that He is sending you, He has already provided for you.

• Today, before you go any further, just think, the LORD our God, has already been at work and has answered you.

• Today, before you go any further, Thank God, that he cares for you.

Praying in Faith:
Father God, thank You that You go before us and know all of our needs. Thank You Lord, for providing for us before we even realize what our needs are. We praise You Father God for all that You are to us, and all that You do for us. We praise You and thank You for this day that You have created and that You are watching over us."
In Christ Jesus name, Amen

My friend, have a wonderful and blessed day, and know that you are thought about.
May God shine upon you.