This morning, while walking my dogs and enjoying the beautiful morning, cool air, and the sun rising my mind was stimulated by thinking about Elijah, the prophet and how in a most difficult time in his life God chose the most unlikely thing to feed him the nourishment that he needed to keep on keeping on for Christ. so I would like to share a devotion this morning from those thoughts that God gave me.

Fed by Ravens

Scripture: “The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning, and bread and meat in the evening; and he drank from the brook.” (1 Kings 17:6)

One of the most surprising details in Elijah’s life is God’s choice of a raven to provide for His prophet. Ravens were considered unclean birds under the Mosaic Law (Leviticus 11:15). Yet God, in His sovereignty, used an unlikely source to meet Elijah’s need.

That truth has often challenged me. Over the years, I have become convinced of the importance of knowing what I believe and why I believe it. The Christian life requires doctrinal conviction. We are called to be anchored in the truth of God’s Word, not tossed about by every wind of doctrine (Ephesians 4:14). A believer who stands for nothing will eventually fall for almost anything.

Yet there is another lesson to be learned. If we only read, listen to, and learn from people who already agree with us on every point, our growth may become limited. God often stretches our minds by exposing us to different perspectives. While we should never compromise biblical truth, we can still learn valuable lessons from those who see certain matters differently than we do.

Throughout my life, God has used many “ravens” to teach me. Some have come from different theological traditions. Others have approached Scripture from a perspective unlike my own. While I have not adopted all of their conclusions, I have often gained valuable insights, seen familiar passages in a fresh light, or been challenged to think more carefully about why I believe what I believe.

Learning from others does not mean abandoning conviction. In fact, it often strengthens conviction. When our beliefs are examined, tested, and compared with Scripture, we become more firmly rooted in the truth. At the same time, we gain a greater appreciation for the breadth of Christ’s body and the many ways God is at work in the lives of His people.

Elijah never confused the raven with the Provider. The bird was merely the instrument; God was the source. In the same way, our ultimate authority is never a teacher, author, pastor, or theologian. Our authority is God’s Word. Yet God may choose to use many different instruments to help us grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

So let us hold our convictions firmly, but let us also remain humble and teachable. The God who fed Elijah by ravens may still use unexpected people and unexpected sources to deepen our understanding of His truth.

Prayer

Father, thank You for the truth of Your Word that anchors my soul. Help me to stand firmly upon Scripture while remaining humble enough to learn. Give me discernment to test all things by Your Word and wisdom to recognize the lessons You may teach through unexpected people and unexpected circumstances. May I never confuse the instrument with the Provider, but always look to You as the source of all truth and growth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.