‘…I have commanded a widow…to provide for you.’ 1 Kings 17:9 NKJV
When famine hit Israel, God said to the prophet Elijah, ‘Go to Zarephath…I have commanded a widow there to provide for you.’ Observe three things in this story. First, when the need arises, your provision will be in place. That’s how God works, so ask Him to tell you where to go and what to do. And when He does, get moving! Secondly, the people God uses will surprise you. Sometimes they’re people you would tend to overlook. This penniless widow had ‘only a handful of flour…and a little oil…’ (1 Kings 17:12 NKJV) That’s no problem to God. He doesn’t need much to start with in order to do something great, just a willing heart. Why didn’t God send Elijah to a wealthy family? Because they didn’t need a miracle-she did. When God’s work has a need He looks for someone with a seed, stretches their faith, and both the giver and God’s work are blessed. Finally, your ‘bad time’ is often God’s opportune moment. This miracle took place in the middle of an economic depression. What seems like the worst possible time for you is when God loves to move. This woman was only one meal away from death; it doesn’t get much worse. ‘So, she went away and did according to the word of Elijah… she and…her household ate for many days. The bin of flour was not used up, nor did the jar of oil run dry…’ (1 Kings 17:15-16 NKJV) The key to her miracle is found in Elijah’s words: ‘Do not fear…but make me a small cake from it first…’ (1 Kings 17:13 NKJV) The Word for you today is this: don’t be afraid; put God first and He will meet your need.
SoulFood: Deut 30:1-32:28, Matt 14:1-12, Ps 119:9-16, Pr 17:4-6
The Word for Today is authored by Bob and Debby Gass and published under licence from UCB International Copyright 2011
