When you live by faith, it is critically import to distinguish between the instrument and the source. Let me illustrate. God told the prophet Elijah, “Hide in the Kerith Ravine…You will drink from the brook, and I have directed the ravens to supply you with food there” (1 Kings 17:3–4 NIV). One day the brook dried up and the ravens brought no food, but Elijah did not panic. Neither the brook nor the ravens were his source. They were merely instruments God used to supply his needs. God, the inexhaustible source of all Elijah needed, now had another instrument—the widow of Zarephath (see 1 Kings 17:9).
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father.”
— James 1:17 (KJV)
Lord Jesus, You are the source of everything we need, from daily bread to grace and mercy. Help us to trust You and only You. In Your holy name we pray, amen.