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all you need according to His riches in glory, Christ's return, consider the ravens, elijah and the ravens, End Times, God shall provide all you need, Last Days, noah and the raven, The Rapture
“1Now Elijah the Tishbite, who was among the settlers of Gilead,a said to Ahab, “As surely as the LORD lives—the God of Israel before whom I stand—there will be neither dew nor rain in these years except at my word!” 2Then a revelation from the LORD came to Elijah: 3“Leave here, turn eastward, and hide yourself by the Brook of Cherith, east of the Jordan.b 4And you are to drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there.” 5So Elijah did what the LORD had told him, and he went and lived by the Brook of Cherith, east of the Jordan. 6The ravens would bring him bread and meat in the morning and evening, and he would drink from the brook.” 1 Kings 17:1-6
Welcome to 2022.
Yes, we are about to enter yet another new year. Although this is not God’s new year, for His begins in the Spring, it is recognized by most worldwide as the new year. 2022. Though it may be hard to believe that we are here once again, we are still most definitely here.
The world is still going mad, and the enemy is still busy creating his new world order. Wars and rumors of wars are everywhere; peace is being taken from the earth; Christian persecution is still sky rocketing; prices of goods and services are on the rise. We are still being ruled over by those who hate us; nearly every nation around the world is in lockstep with vaccine mandates and green passes; floods, earthquakes, tornadoes, and other disasters are touching the lives of millions worldwide more so now than ever before, and the vulture of famine is just around the corner. But in the midst of the madness, are God’s people. Though hurting deeply, they are still seeking His face, growing closer to Him, and lifting high His holy name in all they say and do. And in the midst of their hearts is God Himself, having His way.
Because the area in which I live has a lot of unusual snow and a lot of unusual cold weather right now, I and my Dad have been dutifully feeding the birds. Though my Dad feeds the birds year round anyway, we have particularly been attentive to the Hummingbirds and the Crows this bitter cold winter. Nearly every half hour to 45 minutes, my Dad has been changing out the Hummingbird feeders, and every morning and afternoon I take out scraps to the Crows – who are often accompanied by Seagulls and an occasional Raven.
Today as I sent out pictures to friends of the congregated breakfast crowd, I was struck by four passages of Scripture that speak specifically about Ravens (Crows are from this family too, and are a smaller version). In Psalm 147:9 we read, “He gives to the beast its food, And to the young ravens that cry.” And Job states, “Who provides food for the raven, When its young ones cry to God, And wander about for lack of food?” (Job 38:41) And Jesus beautifully expresses, “Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap, which have neither storehouse nor barn; and God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds?” (Luke 12:24) The fourth passage is that of 1 Kings 17 which is quoted at the top of this article, and relates the mind blowing story of Elijah, the 3.5 year famine and the Ravens who fed Elijah by the Brook of Cherith.
Actually, there is a fifth passage. Genesis 8:6-7 says that Noah sent out a Raven to see if the flood waters had receded.
Is it not dumbfounding that God used these big, black, loud, unclean birds to take care of Noah and Elijah, as well as to make a point about our own welfare as His children? After all, if God purposefully used Ravens and provides for them, how much more shall He provide for us? Not only this, but if He can use a rascally, irascible bird, will He not also give us purpose and meaning? Just think on that…
As I texted everyone pictures of the beautiful black birds, I inserted these passages of Scripture which are incredibly applicable to the season in which we find ourselves right now. Some have lost everything due to fire, flood, tornado, or other type of storm. Some feel they have no purpose in these Last Days. Some are extremely ill or nursing someone who is. Some are overwhelmed financially, physically, and emotionally. Some have lost their job because of the vaccine mandates or for another reason. Some feel completely alone. Some are weary with the weight they are bearing. Some are weary with the long wait for the Lord’s not-soon-enough return. There is a great heaviness upon God’s people today – in nation after nation.
But, God has said and still is saying that He has provided for every need of the Ravens from the beginning of time, and how much more will He provide for us; and He has said and is also still saying that He used the Ravens for a purpose and His glory, and how much more He fulfill His purpose in us even if we do not or cannot understand it. “12Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; 13for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.14Do all things without [d]complaining and disputing,[e] 15that you may become blameless and [f]harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16holding fast the word of life…” (Philippians 2:13-15a). Therefore, “…let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”
Next time when you see a Raven or a Crow, or any bird for that matter — for His eye is on the sparrow!–, remember that God has a purpose for you and is providing for your every need that you have according to His riches in glory (Philippians 4:19). Do not doubt this (James 1). He keeps His promises (Numbers 23:19; 2 Corinthians 1:20; Romans 4:21; Hebrews 10:23), and is not slow to keep them (2 Peter 3:9).
And as we enter the year 2022, let’s keep the God of the Ravens in mind. We already see and know what the enemy has been and is doing in nation after nation after nation. However, God has been working behind the scenes and is about to have a big unveiling. Could it be a fresh outpouring of His Spirit? Could it be Holy Spirit signs and wonders? Could it be an awakening in the Church? Could it be more people being saved? Could it be miraculous provision in spite of dire circumstances? Could it be that we’ve already been missing what He’s already doing in our lives and around us? Ask Him to open the eyes of your heart. Seek Him and you shall find Him when you seek with all your heart. Keep knocking, for the door that only He can open is about to open.
So, let us not lose heart. Be encouraged today. Jesus is coming soon! Keep looking up!! Our redemption truly is drawing near!!! After all, is this not the greatest unveiling of all, when Jesus takes His Bride home?
Blessings to you in 2022!
Considering the Ravens,
Holy Light Ministries