Unexpected Provision: Trusting God's Mysterious Ways
Summary
Welcome to this place of love and grace, where God invites us to be part of the beloved community. As we gather to worship, we are reminded of the core tenets of our faith, boldly proclaiming our belief in God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. This morning, we reflect on the story of Elijah and the ravens, a tale that challenges us to see God's provision in unexpected ways. Elijah, during a time of famine, was sustained by ravens, creatures considered unclean and abominable in Jewish tradition. Yet, God used these unlikely messengers to provide for Elijah, teaching us that divine provision often comes in forms we might not anticipate.
In our own lives, we face moments of feeling cut off or alone, much like Elijah at the wadi Kareth. Yet, God's provision is always present, even if it arrives in ways we wouldn't choose. This story encourages us to trust in God's mysterious ways and to recognize that His miracles may not always align with our expectations. As we navigate life's challenges, we are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus, offering support and love to those around us, just as our community has done in response to recent storms and needs.
Today, as we celebrate World Communion Sunday, we join with Christians worldwide in remembering Christ's sacrifice and our call to be His disciples. We confess our shortcomings and seek forgiveness, embracing the grace that God offers us. As we partake in Holy Communion, we are reminded of God's love and redemption, and we are invited to live out our faith through joyful obedience and service to others.
Key Takeaways:
1. God's Provision in Unexpected Ways: The story of Elijah and the ravens teaches us that God's provision often comes in unexpected forms. Just as Elijah was sustained by unclean birds, we too may find God's help in surprising places. This challenges us to remain open to the ways God chooses to work in our lives, even when it defies our logic or preferences. [54:06]
2. Trusting in God's Mysterious Ways: Life's hardships can leave us feeling cut off or alone, but Elijah's experience reminds us that God is always present. We are encouraged to trust in God's mysterious ways, knowing that His miracles may not always look like what we expect. This trust allows us to see God's hand at work, even in difficult circumstances. [59:28]
3. Being the Hands and Feet of Jesus: Our community's response to recent storms exemplifies what it means to be the hands and feet of Jesus. By offering support and love to those in need, we fulfill our call to serve others. This service is a tangible expression of our faith and a reflection of God's love in action. [01:01:56]
4. The Power of Community and Generosity: The collective efforts of our church community demonstrate the power of generosity and unity. Whether through donations, volunteering, or prayer, each act of kindness contributes to a greater impact. This reminds us that together, we can accomplish more than we could alone. [01:03:35]
5. Embracing World Communion Sunday: As we celebrate World Communion Sunday, we join with Christians worldwide in remembering Christ's sacrifice and our shared mission. This global observance highlights the unity of the body of Christ and calls us to live out our faith through love, forgiveness, and service to others. [01:05:26]
Youtube Chapters:
[0:00] - Welcome
[18:53] - Call to Worship
[31:53] - Proclamation of Faith
[33:24] - Morning Prayer
[35:20] - Community Announcements
[37:36] - Hurricane Relief Efforts
[40:16] - Offering Time
[46:19] - New Sermon Series Introduction
[48:01] - Elijah and the Ravens
[50:06] - Context of Elijah's Story
[52:00] - God's Provision in Famine
[54:06] - The Role of Ravens
[56:46] - Lessons from Elijah's Story
[59:28] - Trusting God's Miracles
[01:03:35] - Holy Communion and World Communion Sunday
[01:10:06] - Invitation to Communion
[01:17:05] - Welcoming New Members
[01:18:06] - Benediction and Dismissal
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Kings 17:1-6 - The story of Elijah and the ravens.
2. Matthew 6:26 - "Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?"
3. Genesis 8:6-7 - The raven sent out by Noah after the flood.
#### Observation Questions
1. What was the significance of God using ravens to provide for Elijah during the famine? ([49:12])
2. How did Elijah respond to God's instructions to go to the wadi Kareth? ([49:12])
3. What role did the community play in responding to the needs caused by recent storms, as mentioned in the sermon? ([37:36])
4. How does the story of Elijah and the ravens illustrate God's provision in unexpected ways? ([54:06])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What might the use of unclean ravens to feed Elijah suggest about God's methods of provision? ([56:46])
2. How does the story of Elijah challenge our understanding of what divine provision looks like in our lives? ([54:06])
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that God's miracles might not align with our expectations? ([59:28])
4. How does the concept of being "cut off" relate to both Elijah's experience and the experiences of those affected by the storms? ([01:00:28])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you received help or provision in an unexpected way. How did it change your perspective on God's provision? ([54:06])
2. How can you remain open to God's provision, even when it comes in forms you might not anticipate or prefer? ([56:46])
3. In what ways can you be the hands and feet of Jesus in your community, especially in response to recent challenges or needs? ([01:01:56])
4. How can you cultivate trust in God's mysterious ways, especially during times of hardship or feeling cut off? ([59:28])
5. As we celebrate World Communion Sunday, how can you embrace the unity of the global Christian community in your daily life? ([01:05:26])
6. Identify a specific way you can contribute to your community's efforts in supporting those in need, whether through donations, volunteering, or prayer. ([01:03:35])
7. How can you practice joyful obedience and service to others in your everyday interactions, reflecting God's love and grace? ([01:05:26])
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Unlikely Sources of Blessing
In the story of Elijah and the ravens, we see a profound example of God's provision coming from unexpected sources. During a time of famine, Elijah was sustained by ravens, creatures deemed unclean in Jewish tradition. This narrative challenges us to remain open to the ways God chooses to work in our lives, even when it defies our logic or preferences. Often, we may find ourselves dismissing certain opportunities or people because they don't fit our preconceived notions of how God should provide for us. Yet, just as Elijah was sustained by these unlikely messengers, we too may find God's help in surprising places. This calls us to a posture of openness and humility, trusting that God's wisdom surpasses our understanding. [54:06]
1 Kings 17:4-6 (ESV): "You shall drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there. So he went and did according to the word of the Lord. He went and lived by the brook Cherith that is east of the Jordan. And the ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning, and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the brook."
Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you dismissed an opportunity or person because it didn't fit your expectations. How might God be inviting you to reconsider and see His provision in that unexpected place?
Day 2: Trusting in the Unseen Hand of God
Life's hardships can often leave us feeling isolated or abandoned, much like Elijah at the wadi Kareth. However, Elijah's experience reminds us that God is always present, even when His ways are mysterious and beyond our comprehension. Trusting in God's unseen hand requires faith, especially when His miracles do not align with our expectations. This trust allows us to perceive God's work in our lives, even amidst difficult circumstances. By embracing this trust, we open ourselves to the possibility of seeing God's hand at work in ways we might not have anticipated. [59:28]
Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV): "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
Reflection: Reflect on a current challenge you are facing. How can you practice trusting in God's mysterious ways, even when the outcome is uncertain?
Day 3: Living as the Hands and Feet of Jesus
Our community's response to recent storms exemplifies what it means to be the hands and feet of Jesus. By offering support and love to those in need, we fulfill our call to serve others. This service is a tangible expression of our faith and a reflection of God's love in action. As followers of Christ, we are called to actively participate in the work of the Kingdom, extending compassion and assistance to those around us. This call to action is not just about meeting physical needs but also about embodying the love and grace of Jesus in every interaction. [01:01:56]
James 2:14-17 (ESV): "What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, 'Go in peace, be warmed and filled,' without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."
Reflection: Identify one person in your community who is in need. How can you be the hands and feet of Jesus to them this week?
Day 4: The Strength of Community and Generosity
The collective efforts of our church community demonstrate the power of generosity and unity. Whether through donations, volunteering, or prayer, each act of kindness contributes to a greater impact. This reminds us that together, we can accomplish more than we could alone. The strength of community lies in its ability to bring diverse gifts and talents together for a common purpose. As we work together, we reflect the unity and love that God desires for His people, creating a ripple effect of positive change in the world. [01:03:35]
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (ESV): "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken."
Reflection: Consider how you can contribute to the strength of your community. What specific action can you take this week to support a communal effort or initiative?
Day 5: Celebrating Unity in Christ
As we celebrate World Communion Sunday, we join with Christians worldwide in remembering Christ's sacrifice and our shared mission. This global observance highlights the unity of the body of Christ and calls us to live out our faith through love, forgiveness, and service to others. In a world often marked by division, World Communion Sunday serves as a powerful reminder of the unity we have in Christ, transcending cultural and denominational boundaries. It invites us to embrace our shared identity as followers of Jesus and to work together in advancing His Kingdom on earth. [01:05:26]
Ephesians 4:4-6 (ESV): "There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."
Reflection: Reflect on your role in the global body of Christ. How can you actively promote unity and understanding within your local and global Christian community?
Quotes
1. "We live in a time Where it seems like everybody Is asking us What do we believe What do we believe about this What do we believe about that And sometimes it can be hard right To know what to believe But yet because of our faith Because of our tradition We can come together And we can boldly proclaim What Christians believe." [31:53] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "I want to take just a few moments To say thank you As you heard during our Announcement time We have a lot of things That are going on At Hickory Flat And this week Has been no exception There's been so many things And so many good things That have happened Where you folks And our community Have responded To be the hands And the feet Of Jesus And we thank you For that We will continue To give." [35:43] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "And so, how do we deal with that? How do we make faith out of that? How do we have God come in and restore it for redemption and hope? And so, in these stories from the Bible, I hope we're going to see that. And so, let's just jump right into the first one, Elijah and the ravens." [48:01] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We all are faced with hardships. We all are faced with hardships. We all are faced with hardships. We all are faced with hardship in times when we feel cut off. We're faced with times when we feel alone. We're faced with times when we are ourselves running on empty, and God's provision always comes. We can just learn to trust, to trust in God's provision, to trust in God's goodness and kindness, and trust in the way that God uses us, others, those around us, to be the hands and feet of Jesus." [01:03:35] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "And God gives us provisions this morning, even as we come to the table, to take part in this holy meal of bread and of juice, and to remember his love, his redemption, and his mandate to us to be the church, to be his disciples. And so now let's come to the table together as we, celebrate Holy Communion. And I'm also mindful that today on the Christian calendar of the year, this is World Communion Sunday." [01:04:28] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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