In Touch - Aug. 23, 2010

Aug. 23, 2010
Rely on the Source

1 Kings 17:8-16

From God's perspective, being in need can be spiritually beneficial. When the bottom drops out of our imaginary financial security bubble, we will discover the reality that all provision comes from His hand. The Lord uses various instruments to meet needs, but He alone is the source of all we possess or earn.

God can use traditional means—like an employer—or remarkable methods to supply our needs. Elijah had learned to live by faith in the unusual ways of the Lord: he'd been fed by ravens. Now God sent him to Zarephath, to a starving widow with no ability to feed him.

Every financial need is an opportunity to learn to walk by faith in the Lord as our source. Prosperity can lead to a sense of independence that blinds us to how inadequate we actually are to provide for ourselves. We're totally dependent upon the Father whether we know it or not.

Believing that God would provide, Elijah witnessed His miraculous intervention. We may not see the Lord perform a supernatural work in our financial situation. However, we can be sure that, just as God fulfilled His promise to Elijah, He'll be faithful to His Word in our situation as well: "My God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 4:19).

Are you focusing on the instrument or the source of your provision? The means God uses may change, but His faithfulness endures forever. He's infinitely more reliable than any employer or 401K. The Lord is inviting you to trust Him and live in both the adventure and security of a life of faith.

For more biblical teaching and resources from Dr. Charles Stanley, please visit www.intouch.org.

Watch Online Videos of Dr. Charles Stanley and In Touch Ministries at LightSource.com
and
Listen to Dr. Charles Stanley Online Broadcasts at OnePlace.com.

Join Dr. Charles Stanley and In Touch Ministries as we intercede for our great nation. It is immensely important for believers to seriously consider where we are as a nation and understand the dangerous spiritual tide that is engulfing us. By clicking "Yes!" you are making the commitment to pray for our nation. In response to this pledge, we will be sending you a weekly e-mail to help you in this important endeavor. Each e-mail will include Scripture and prayer points to help unite us as a body of believers. There will be one e-mail per  week for the 140 days, beginning July 5th.

Please click here to join this nationwide prayer effort. 

Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc. © 2009 All Rights Reserved.