An angel touched Elijah and said to him, “Get up and eat.” He got up and ate and drank; then he went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights to Horeb the mount of God. 1 Kings 19:5,8

Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ Matthew 6:31

It’s easy for moods to change. We can be very happy, elated at achieving something, and then the next day be full of doubt. Elijah is an interesting person who went through a huge mood swing. He has just defeated all 450 of the priests that follow Baal. They couldn’t get their god to light the sacrificial fire. Elijah had people pour water over his sacrificial bull, then God sent the fire down. Elijah should have been happy, rejoicing as he showed the power of the true God. However, Jezebel is not pleased with this, threatens him and off he goes to sit and be depressed. He prays to God to take his life then falls asleep. Soon an angel appears and tells him to get up and eat – there is bread cake – he still sits, the angel comes again and tells him to eat. He does. Pretty good food supplied by God via the angel. He gets enough strength to travel 40 days and nights.

It’s common for a moment of triumph to be followed by a low of depression. Everything was going great, then some little thing comes along and threatens. Even though Elijah just saw the power of God, and showed that power to all the people, he could easily be discouraged. God saw this, listened to the prayer, and sent food. Enough food to strengthen him and get him back to being a prophet of God.

Jesus assures us that our basic needs will be met. In the Sermon on the Mount as related by Matthew, he tells the crowds not to worry about food, or drink or clothing. Rather His followers can be focused on the message that Jesus wants us to share. Our needs will be supplied and we in turn can see to the needs of others. Rather than inwardly focusing on our worries, we can work to help other people – those that need food, and water, clothes and housing.

Great Provider, thank you for supplying food and drink and all our daily needs. Sometimes you provide in unusual and unpredictable ways. in times when we fear we don’t have enough, may we remember that you will provide food when we are hungry and clothing when we are in need, just as you did for Elijah. Make us generous and help us to provide for those in need. Amen.

Chris Gabel

Ministries
Teaching Mission Party