Lavonne Baker

I Kings 17:13-16 (NIV)
Elijah said to her (the widow) “Don’t be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. But first make a small cake 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 gives rain on the land.’”

Reflection:
How many times in our lives have we been in a situation that has seemed so dire or distressing? Whenever I read this story, I try to imagine what must have been going through this poor widow’s mind. She had enough provisions for one more meal for her son and herself. Then she planned they would eat it and die. Desperate, right?

She had no idea the Lord had already commanded Elijah to come to her town and single her out to bring Elijah water and her last piece of bread. Have you been there? We cannot see how it will ever be resolved. Like the widow, our minds only have one or two scenarios and they are not especially good. We have no idea what God has already done in and around our lives to restore and renew things (sometimes eventually) for our good. 

In God’s perfect timing, Elijah was in the exact place to find the widow. First, Elijah calmed her fears. Of course, she was afraid. She was a woman alone, and he was a man, a foreigner, and most importantly he asked for all the food she had left! Elijah spoke God’s words to her with his promise that she would have enough.  

Even through her fears, she did what Elijah said. Impressive faith by this woman. She trusted Elijah was speaking God’s words to her. In her desperation, she trusted God’s words and was generous to Elijah. She even extended hospitality to include Elijah living at her home.  

Maybe we think we are generous, faithful, and trusting, but ask yourselves “would I give away my very last meal?” Even on my best days, I don’t know. What a model of generosity and faithfulness for us all. We can rest assured though that God is always working behind the scenes in our lives as well. We CAN move forward in faith, in spite of fears, and be generous with what we do have. God will renew and refresh each one of us, as we take daily steps of faith.  

Prayer:
Lord, may you grow our faith and generosity as we take daily steps to work for your kingdom. We don’t know how it will be used or the ultimate results but we do know you will use it to achieve your purposes. Lord, help us to conquer any fears that may hold us back. All glory goes to you God, now and forever. Amen.