Finding the Lord’s Provision

In 2 Kings 7:1-2, God gave a word through Elisha that provision would very soon be made available and affordable to the famine-stricken land of Israel. The servant of the king replied in disbelief, “Might this thing be?” In the New Living Translation, the servant says, “That couldn’t happen even if the Lord opened the windows of heaven!”

You and I are living in a time when things can change drastically almost overnight. We New Yorkers recall how quickly the stores were emptied after the planes struck the Twin Towers on 9/11. If provisions suddenly were to become scarce again in the near future, we would do well to take to heart the psalmist’s words: “I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread” (Psalm 37:25). Yet I wonder how many people will end up reacting to God’s promise of provision with a sentiment of disbelief, much as the servant of the king of Israel did.

In response to the servant’s remark, Elisha said, “You are going to see it with your eyes, but you will not partake of it” (see 2 Kings 7:2). What a stark reminder that we dare not deal casually with the Word of God, both the promises of God as well as the warnings of God. If this servant had possessed any wisdom in his heart, he would have said, “Oh God, forgive me for my unbelief! Forgive me for what I just said, for I know that you are faithful to keep your Word.” But sure enough, when the supply finally came into the city, this man was trampled by a stampede of people as they ran through the gate to get their hands on the provision.

Far surpassing the greatest earthly father, the Lord delights in providing for his children. So why then does it seem that we tap into so little of his endless supply?

If only you and I could lay hold of this truth and understand that victory is not by might, not by power, not by numbers, not by the eloquence of our preaching. In this case, victory was found when the weakest of society simply headed toward a place where provision could be found.

_{Carter Conlon joined the pastoral staff of Times Square Church in 1994 and was appointed Senior Pastor in 2001. In May of 2020 he transitioned into a continuing role as General Overseer of Times Square Church, Inc.}