The widow of Zarephath’s trust
Read 1 Kings 17:12-15 NIV
“As surely as the Lord your God lives,” she replied, “I don’t have any bread—only a handful of flour in a jar and a little olive oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it—and die.”
Elijah said to her, “Don’t be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. But first make a small loaf of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son. 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 sends rain on the land.’”
She went away and did as Elijah had told her. So there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family.
The Lord told Elijah to find a widow in Zarephath; she would provide for him. But when Elijah found her, the woman didn’t even have enough food for her son and herself to survive. Still, she had faith, and gave of the only things she had left. And the Lord filled her jars of flour and oil, ensuring they were never empty.
In all circumstances, Christian generosity is a response to faith. There will always be a reason, an excuse, not to give. This widow certainly had a good one. She and her son were starving to death. But she had gave anyway. At Cross Creek there are many ways we provide for our community. There are many different ways when you could be a part of serving others through shopping, preparing or dropping off meals.
Our Friendship ministry reaches out to developmentally disabled individuals each month through assembling packages containing baked goods and appropriate materials to help individuals learn about the love of God. What a joy it is to share the love of God through giving!! You can be a part of this generous giving!
Note: this devotional was inspired by National Christian Foundation: 10 examples of generosity in the Bible and how to follow them.
