This Summer: God Will Provide: Five-Day Devotional

Here are a few additional resources to guide your quiet time this week:

• Watch the replay of "This Summer God Will Provide" by Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.

• Use this small group discussion guide with family, friends, and co-workers.

• Join us for our 6 AM Prayer Call, Monday through Friday (EST)

Day 1: Provision From Unlikely Places

Based on the Message: “This Summer: God Will Provide” by Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.

“Then the word of the Lord came to Elijah, saying, 'Get away from here and turn eastward, and hide by the brook Cherith, which flows into the Jordan. And it will be that you shall drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there." - 1 Kings 17:3-4

Devotional: Sometimes God's provision comes in the most unexpected ways. When Elijah obeyed God's word to declare a drought, he found himself subject to the same scarcity he'd announced. Yet God provided through ravens, unclean birds that shouldn't have been feeding a prophet. This reveals something profound about God's character: He'll use whatever means necessary to sustain His faithful servants.

When life feels uncertain and traditional sources dry up, remember that God has resources you haven't considered. He can command creation itself to meet your needs. The brook Cherith means "cutting" or "separation"—sometimes God separates us from familiar provisions to prove His ability to provide through supernatural means.

Don't despise unusual opportunities or unexpected helps that come your way. That job offer from an unlikely source, that assistance from an unexpected person, or that door opening in an unfamiliar direction might be God's ravens delivering your daily bread. His provision isn't limited by conventional methods.

Trust isn't just believing God can provide. It's following His instructions even when they lead to uncomfortable places. Elijah could have stayed where things seemed secure, but obedience to God's word led him to a place where only God could sustain him. That's exactly where God wanted him.

Quote: "Sometimes God will separate you, cut you off from all other sources, so that He can be your source." - Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.

Question: What 'ravens' might God be using in your life right now that you haven't recognized as His provision?

Prayer: Lord, open my eyes to see Your provision in unexpected places. Help me trust Your word even when it leads me away from familiar sources of security. Give me the faith to follow Your instructions completely, knowing that You have commanded everything I need for every season. Teach me to recognize Your ravens and receive Your provision with gratitude, no matter how it comes. In Jesus' name, amen.

Day 2: Don't Eat What You're Supposed to Sow

Based on the Message: “This Summer: God Will Provide” by Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.

"And Elijah said to her, 'Do not fear. Go and do as you have said, but make me a small cake from it first and bring it to me, and afterward make some for yourself and your son. For thus says the Lord God of Israel: The bin of flour shall not be used up, nor shall the jar of oil run dry, until the day the Lord sends rain on the earth." - 1 Kings 17:13-14

Devotional: The widow of Zarephath faced the ultimate test: give her last meal to a stranger or feed her dying son. Everything in her natural mind screamed 'survival first,' but the Lord told her to give her last. The surrender of her food became a seed for her future.

God's economy operates on principles of multiplication that defy human logic. In agriculture, one kernel of corn can produce up to 2,400 kernels when planted instead of eaten. The widow's handful of flour and drop of oil contained a similar potential when surrendered to God's word. However, she had to resist the urge to consume what was meant to be sown.

In times of economic pressure, fear tempts us to hoard rather than give; to consume rather than sow. We eat our tithe and offerings, the very seed that could produce multiplication in our lives. The enemy knows if he can get us to consume our seed in panic, we'll have nothing to plant for the next season.

The widow chose obedience over survival, and God honored her faith with supernatural provision. Her bin of flour never emptied, her jar of oil never ran dry. When we refuse to eat our seed and instead sow it according to God's word, we position ourselves for miracle provision.

Quote: "When a farmer eats their seed, they mortgage their next planting season. Don’t eat what you are supposed to sow." - Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.

Question: What 'seed' in your life are you tempted to consume out of fear rather than sow in faith?

Prayer: Father, give me wisdom to discern the difference between provision and seed. When fear whispers that I should consume what You've called me to sow, remind me of Your faithfulness to multiply what's planted in obedience. Help me trust Your timing and Your methods, even when they seem to contradict common sense. Strengthen my faith to give my first and best, knowing You'll provide for every need.  In Jesus' name, amen.

Day 3: Following God's GPS Through Economic Drought

Based on the Message: “This Summer: God Will Provide” by Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.

"Then the word of the Lord came to him, saying, 'Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and dwell there. See, I have commanded a widow there to provide for you."- 1 Kings 19:2-3

Devotional: When the brook dried up, Elijah faced a crossroads. He could panic about the changing circumstances or listen for God's next instructions. Too often, we get comfortable with God's previous provision and miss His current direction. The brook was temporary; Zarephath was the next assignment.

God's guidance system never malfunctions; however, we sometimes stop listening to God after His initial directions. Elijah moved from Cherith (which means "cutting" or "separation") to Zarephath (which means "smelting" or "refining"); each location served a specific purpose in God's plan. The process wasn't random; it was progressive development.

In our economic uncertainties, we need a fresh word from God, rather than recycled solutions. Yesterday's strategy might not work for today's challenges. Instead of frantically applying to jobs everywhere, ask God which opportunities to pursue. Instead of borrowing money without direction, seek His wisdom about financial decisions.

God speaks to those who position themselves to hear. He has already prepared provision at your next assignment, just as He commanded the widow to provide for Elijah before Elijah even arrived. Your breakthrough isn't behind you; it's ahead of you, waiting at your place of obedience.

Quote: "God didn't just speak, He is speaking, and sometimes we get stuck on what He said rather than hearing what He's saying." - Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.

Question: Are you stuck at a 'dried-up brook' instead of moving toward God's next assignment for your life?

Prayer: Lord, help me distinguish between Your 'yesterday' word and Your 'today' word. When circumstances change, give me ears to hear Your new instructions rather than clinging to old methods. Direct my steps toward the provision You've already prepared. Help me move from comfort zones into places where You can refine and multiply my effectiveness. Guide me by Your Spirit, not by my fears. In Jesus' name, amen.

Day 4: Breaking the Chain of Disobedience

Based on the Message: “This Summer: God Will Provide” by Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.

"So she went away and did according to the word of Elijah, and she and he and her household ate for many days." - 1 Kings 17:15

Devotional: The widow's obedience set off a chain reaction of blessings that sustained multiple households. When she followed Elijah's instructions, her household ate 'for many days.' But notice the principle: her blessing became the source of Elijah's provision, and his obedience had positioned him to bless her with supernatural supply.

God's economy works through interconnected obedience. He speaks to one person to bless another, who then blesses another, creating an unbroken chain of provision. But when someone receives blessing and fails to pass it on according to God's instruction, they break the chain and limit the flow of God's resources.

This isn't about manipulation or pressure; it's about understanding how God moves resources through His people. When you receive unexpected help, ask God if there's someone you're supposed to help. When you get a financial blessing, seek His direction about where to sow a portion. When doors open for you, look for opportunities to open doors for others.

Don't be the weakest link in God's chain of provision. Your obedience doesn't just affect you; it impacts everyone connected to the chain. When you faithfully pass on what God entrusts to you, you position yourself to receive more and enable others to receive as well.

Quote: "When we allow the fear of our circumstance to hinder us from doing what God said, we break the chain of obedience."- Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.

Question: Have you broken any chains of blessing by receiving without giving according to God's direction?

Prayer: God, forgive me for times I've broken chains of obedience by hoarding what You meant for me to share. Make me sensitive to Your voice when You call me to bless others from what You've blessed me with. Help me be a faithful link in Your chain of provision, receiving and giving according to Your will. Use me to extend Your blessing to others, knowing that Your resources are unlimited when Your people are obedient. In Jesus' name, amen.

Day 5: This Summer God Will Provide

Based on the Message: “This Summer: God Will Provide” by Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.

"For thus says the Lord God of Israel: The bin of flour shall not be used up, nor shall the jar of oil run dry, until the day the Lord sends rain on the earth." - 1 Kings 17:14

Devotional: Summer seasons often bring unique challenges to the church. While family vacations and summer childcare costs strain household budgets, ministry support typically decreases. Yet God's promise to provide remains constant regardless of season or circumstance. The widow's bins didn't empty because God had spoken a word of provision.

Notice the timing: God sustained them 'until the day the Lord sends rain on the earth.' His provision wasn't just for a few days or weeks; it lasted throughout the crisis. When God commits to sustaining you, He doesn't abandon you halfway through the difficulty. His provision matches the length of your need.

Your summer provision isn't dependent on the economy, other people's generosity, or favorable circumstances. It depends on your obedience to God's word. When you follow His instructions, whether about giving, working, relationships, or priorities, you position yourself in the flow of His supernatural supply.

Don't let seasonal patterns or economic forecasts determine your level of faith. The same God who multiplied a widow's last meal can multiply your resources. Trust His word over the world's reports. Follow His instructions over your instincts. This summer, watch Him provide in ways that only He can.

Quote: "God can sustain His people through any economic crisis." - Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw Jr.

Question: What specific instructions from God do you need to obey to position yourself for His summer provision?

Prayer: Lord, I declare that this summer You will provide everything I need according to Your riches in glory. Help me obey Your word completely, trusting Your provision over my circumstances. When fear tries to make me hoard or panic, remind me of Your faithfulness to sustain those who follow Your instructions. Let my bins not be emptied, nor my jars run dry, until You bring the rain of blessing in Your perfect timing. In Jesus' name, Amen.