We are constantly hearing bad news about the economy from national and local resources. Many are saying the economy is bleak with years of recovery ahead. "This is not comforting for me, nor is it good news to share with people." Because people need income today, we all need food, shelter, clothing, water and other necessities that sustain us for life. You can't put your life on hold while other economy plans surface for change.
I Kings 17:1 Begins the story of the great Prophet Elijah. He was a man with a godly purpose to lead Israel back to God. He gave King Ahab a message from God, "As the Lord, the God of Israel, lives, whom I serve, there will be neither dew nor rain in the next few years except at my word." After he had spoken, God gave Elijah instructions on where to go, to leave from this place. He said, "You will drink from the brook and I have ordered the ravens to feed you there." (Read verses 7-10)
Now let's see the 11 Principles in God's Economy Plan that were at work for Elijah to have his needs met:
- Turn toward God. The hardest life you will live is when you are away from God! The Scriptures didn't give a long historical account of Elijah's personal testimony, but God spoke to him and he had the choice to hear or to turn away. He turned toward God and delivered the message to the King.
"Just sit there right now. Don't do a thing. Just rest. For your separation from God. From love. Is the hardest work in this world." (Hafiz)
2. Believe God when you don't understand everything. When God told Elijah to go to King Ahab and tell him there will be no rain for a few years, that drought would be upon Elijah also. He could have thought, "If there is not rain for them, there will be no prosperity for me also, no food. If the politicians and governments are saying devastation, no jobs, no money--you don't have to be a part of it if you change to God's Economy Plan.
- Don't worry about the HOW. Keep your eye on the vision, the answers you need, allow God to work them out. Proverbs 3:6, "In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths."
- Give your problems, needs and wishes over to God. Lead your life from the spirit of God (His laws and principles). America has failed. Wait and listen from your heart because He will answer you. Psalm 34:4, "I sought the Lord, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears."
- Detach from the past or what you thought was your security; be open to change. Elijah couldn't stay near the King. God told him to go to a brook and be fed. And then, it dried up and Elijah had to move or change again. You may have to change environments in your life several times, but these changes will be from God and you will receive your needs and wishes. Elijah could have stayed there demanding the dry brook to give water again and again.
- Don't judge the circumstances when God has led you there. When Elijah arrived to the widow's home, she was preparing her last meal; she didn't look like a person where Elijah was going to get food. When Elijah asked her for a drink of water, she was readily going to get it for him, but he stopped her and said, "And bring me, please, a piece of bread."
- Stay open to God for more directions once you are in the new and different place, home, relationship, job, etc. Elijah gave the widow a word from God in verse 14: "For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel says: "The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the Lord gives rain on the land." Don't stop your worship, prayer and meditation time, thanksgiving and praise, etc.
- Faithful Obedience. "She went away and did as Elijah had told her." (verse 15). Elijah's needs were met during the drought and the widow's needs were met from poverty, because they listened to God and followed His guidance.
- Stay encouraged by fellowshipping with others who are living by God's Economy Plan. You will learn more living your life through the strength of your spiritual nature which is like God than the fears that dominate the physical realm of life.
- God is with you, trust yourself to hear from the Holy Spirit. Don't doubt how magnificent you are in being a part of God.
- Stay in God's Cycle (orbit) of Giving and Receiving. You will always have opportunities to give. Let love be your foundation in giving and God will guide you each day. Luke 6:38, "Give, and it will be given to you."
"Know God, Love God & Live in His Power"
Dr. Dorothy Wellington, Inspirational Teacher & Author for The Just God Academy (online teaching & graduate program and also by email Newsletters)
