The Lord had instructed Elijah: “Go at once to Zarephath in the region of Sidon and stay there. I have directed a widow there to supply you with food.” So Elijah went to Zarephath. When he came to the town gate, a widow was there gathering sticks. Elijah called to her and asked, “Would you bring me a little water in a jar so I may have a drink?” As she was going to get it, he called, “And bring me, please, a piece of bread.”
“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. For the jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry, in keeping with the word of the Lord spoken by Elijah.
Wow! What an act of faith! This woman literally risked everything she had – for a stranger! She gave up the last meal she was preparing for herself and her son. She didn’t argue or debate. The Bible states matter of factly: “she went away and did as Elijah had told her.” There was no further discussion. This woman made a decision to follow Elijah’s instructions and trust in the Lord.
What a show of faith! She chooses to be obedient and puts her own family’s needs aside. She trusts in the Lord and the Lord provides!! Because of this woman’s obedience she continues to have flour and oil to be able to provide food for Elijah, herself and her son. She gave up all she had and the Lord provided.
What is holding you back from receiving all the Lord has in store for you? What do you need to let go or get rid of in your life that’s keeping you from accepting God’s blessings?
Dear God, We are so thankful that we can trust You. We are grateful for the many ways that You provide for us. Father, we ask that You help us to let go of anything that stands in the way of our relationship with You. We long to be closer to You and grow deeper and stronger in our faith. We appreciate Your patience and willingness to come alongside us and show us the way. In Jesus Name, Amen
