Written by Dynamis Ministries | June 9, 2022
Last week, we looked at how God used ravens to meet the basic needs of Elijah while he was living in the wilderness, from the story in 1 Kings 17. And we were encouraged by seeing how God continues to use “ravens” today to help people in times of scarcity, showing up in unanticipated ways and opportune times. But who are the “ravens”? Sometimes God uses his mighty power to do it himself through circumstances and events, but many times he calls on his people. Answering the call to be a “raven” for someone else is a significant way we can be generous.
As we look at the world, it’s evident that there are people living without basic human needs being met. We first see obvious needs such as people living in poverty, communities without access to proper healthcare, malnourished children or the lack of clean water. These are definitely situations void of basic needs, and something has to be done about it. And then there are the basic human needs that are more hidden but equally significant. Any guesses?
Many people are living in want of basic social/emotional needs. We only have to look at the challenge of mental health in our culture as proof. Some of these needs include belonging, purpose, love, acceptance, security, stability, safety or encouragement. God may be calling us to be a “raven” by meeting someone’s need in this space as well. We could sit with someone in their grief, offer encouragement to someone feeling down, use our social capital to connect people to opportunities for fulfilling their purpose or show another person love by making them feel valued.
Expanding our awareness of the long list of basic human needs allows us to see that there are endless opportunities to be used as God’s “ravens!” When we see these needs and accept this call to meet those needs, powerful things can happen. Consider this story:
“A little boy, having read this story of the ravens feeding Elijah with his widowed mother one wintry night, as they sat in a fireless room beside a bare table, asked her if he might set the door open for God’s ravens to come in; he was so sure that they must be on their way. The mayor of that town, passing by, was attracted by the sight of the open door, and entered, inquiring the cause. When he learned the reason, he said, “I will be God’s raven,” and relieved their need then and afterward.”¹
The mayor in this story became a difference maker for this widow and her son all because he saw the open door, inquired of their need and accepted the invitation to be their “raven.” We too can be that same person who makes a difference! We can be people who God trusts with an assignment to meet a need at a crucial time. As we go about our days, there will unquestionably be opportunities to be a “raven” for someone else. Let’s be the people who say “yes” when God calls our name to deliver a need. Responding to these heavenly calls can help us live generously and make a difference in the world for the common good!
¹F.B. Meyer, Elijah and the Secret of His Power (Chicago: Moody Publishers, 1976).
Photo Credit: Tyler Quiring
