21 Days: Day 1

Devotional:

In this series of 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting we are going to talk about how God provides. God has provided for His people all throughout time and the Bible is full of examples of how God provides for us. He provides what we need when we need it.

One of my favorite examples in the Bible is in 1 Kings 19:3-9. Elijah, the prophet, has just come from this great victory where God has shown Himself powerful and the God of all Gods. Right after, Elijah feels defeated and scared because the king’s wife, Jezebel, is coming after him. Elijah runs away and sits under a tree and tells God he wants to die. God has other plans for him, so He sends an angel with bread and water and tells him to rest for he has a long journey ahead. In his moment of despair God sends him food, water, and rest. He provides him with what he needs. The rest of the story is great as he completes the journey and meets God on a mountain – you will have to read it!

The most important part for me is the rest. God knew that he needed rest, so He gave him the command to rest. In this season of my life, rest is what I need. God provides me places to rest but I don’t often take it – I want to stay busy so that I produce more to show my worth! In this season of my life right now, I’m listening and trusting in God, so I’m ready for what He has for me. God provides me rest and tells me I will need this for what is to come.

Challenge:

· Where has God provided in your life?

· What has God allowed you to have or to do or to buy?

· In the next 21 days, examine your life and look for the ways God has provided for you. Look to see what God is providing now for what is ahead.

Prayer:

God, we are so grateful for this Word you have given to us. We are grateful that you remind us that it is not just about the things we do, but sometimes you call us to rest. You call us to get the nourishment our bodies need and direction so we can be ready for what you are preparing to do. God, will you prepare our hearts in these 21 days? Would you help us hear and recognize all that you are saying to us? We are grateful for how you provide insight into your Word. Amen.