Ravens of Provision – Do Not Worry

by W. Chaz Glass

 

Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? What does this mean?

 

It means worrying does not accomplish anything spiritually. The act in itself has no spiritual power behind it, unlike faith and trust, therefore it is not the means believers exercise to change the outcome of a situation. It is not an act viewed from heaven that will initiate divine intervention. The fruits of the Spirit, as listed in Galatians 5:22-23, are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Worrying is not on this list and, in fact, is often opposed to qualities like peace and faith. Uncontrolled worrying becomes a mental and emotional distraction, hindering us from operating in the mind of Christ, which is needed in these situations. It is His perspective, focusing on things above (Colossians 3:2) and who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places (Ephesians 1:3). When our thoughts shift to these truths, the peace of God flows over us like a shower. All things work for our good, Romans 8:28, including events in our lives that trigger worry.

 

For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is life not more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the sky, that they do not sow, nor reap, nor gather crops into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more important than they? Matthew 6:25-26.

 

Elijah and the ravens in 1 Kings 17:1-6 is a beautiful example of how we can draw encouragement and wisdom. After prophesying that it would not rain, Elijah was led to a brook and God commanded the ravens to bring him bread and meat. Apply this to your life. The ravens here symbolize Gods provision. Do not worry, but trust God knows where you are and what you need. Our Father will command a raven to supply your need. Like a raven it may be an unlikely method, but will bring it to you. Just as God feeds the birds of the air, all other animals in creation and the Prophet, He will also provide for our needs. These “ravens” might come in the form of a timely provision, an encouraging word, or a supportive friend. In the New Testament, we also see the concept of angels ministering to believers, reminding us that God will dispatch His heavenly messengers to care for us in times of need. They will carry the prayers of the saints sent to heal your body and carry you when you feel faint.

 

Sure, this world is filled with uncertainty, but we can find unshakable peace and security by anchoring our hearts in the faithfulness of God. So the next time you find yourself worrying, look up, for a flock of ravens is on the way.