Praying Food Into the Fridge Again

This week we'll reflect on some of the points mentioned by Pastor Benji in this past Sunday's sermon, "To Blame Or Bail: Thanksgiving For Bailouts".

Second Kings chapter 4 begins with the story of a prophet's widow who was facing the crisis of losing her sons to slavery, as a payment for debts owed. Pastor Benji reminded us that, while the priests had the privilege of living off of portions of the temple sacrifices, prophets had no mandated provision- they relied on the voluntary gifts given to them by means of private donors.

I think of this in light of our current situation in this country, where we have already begun the downward spiral into dire economic circumstances. And I remember a sermon I heard several years ago, preached by a pastor who is well-known for his accurate prophetic ministry over the decades. In that sermon, he said that the day would come where we would be praying in faith, trusting God to provide for our needs each day. Specifically, he said the days would come where we would be praying for our daily bread- literally, our physical food. It seems that day is looming closer, again.

When I was a little girl I would hear my mom singing "It Is Well With My Soul" as she went about the housework. As an adult, I now look back and realize that our circumstances were very difficult. My mom was not a prophet, but she and we (her children) were in challenging circumstances. Mommy modeled the power of prayer: we always had food, clothing, and shelter, and I know that God provided tangible answers in response to my mom's praises of Him and prayers to Him.

If you've been reading my blog for a while you already know that I've mentioned my experience of laying hands on the empty refrigerator and thanking God for the food He was sending. This may sound presumptuous to those of you who have lived a life of "having stuff"... but for those of us who had no one else but God to bail us out, we are so glad that He has put in us this audacity to trust Him in the face of impossible odds.

Pastor Benji made the comment that difficulties and challenges are part of the "compensation package" of the prophet. My prayer is that, if God has called you to a profession that might leave your fridge a little emptier than you'd prefer, you will accept His call even knowing the hardships that may come with the position.

Remember the cry of Peter? "Lord, we have left our homes to follow you", and our Lord's response: "Listen, those of you who have left your comfort zone for the sake of the kingdom of God will receive so much more than what you gave up" (Luke 18:28-30, paraphrase mine). There is a payback. We don't get to choose when or how, but Jesus promised that there is a substantial return for those who have invested their lives in serving Him... yes, even if it means your food comes by the exercising of the faith He has given you.

Have faith and pray. God feeds the birds, surely He will provide for His children who cry out to Him.