What’s remarkable about these scenes from 1 Kings 17 is how the word of God was obeyed with no tangible guarantees or even rational explanations given ahead of time. God is treated as one who is fully trustworthy in what he says. In contrast, think about how God is portrayed when his people are constantly complaining about his provision in their lives, consistently discontent with what they have, while lusting after what is lacking?
We have to be careful because we will often accept the promises of God, but when we find out the means God uses to carry out his promises, we can start complaining about how God provides—“I trust you completely Lord to meet my needs, but I didn’t know you were going to do it like that! I don’t have a lot of confidence that plan can and will happen.” This is when our faith in God’s word as the ultimate reality must overshadow fleshly doubts. Jesus teaches this approach in Luke 12:22 And He said to His disciples, “For this reason I say to you, do not worry about your life, as to what you will eat; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. 23 For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. 24 Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap; they have no storeroom nor barn, and yet God feeds them; how much more valuable you are than the birds! 25 And which of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life’s span? 26 If then you cannot do even a very little thing, why do you worry about other matters? 27 Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; but I tell you, not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. 28 But if God so clothes the grass in the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, how much more will He clothe you? You men of little faith! 29 And do not seek what you will eat and what you will drink, and do not keep worrying. 30 For all these things the nations of the world eagerly seek; but your Father knows that you need these things. 31 But seek His kingdom, and these things will be added to you. 32 Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom.