A few years ago, my husband and I led a short-term mission trip to Italy. After the trip, we hosted the entire group at our house for an Italian dinner and a debrief meeting. The meal was one of the group’s favorites from our time in Italy and included chicken, pasta, and vegetables.
Just before people arrived, I started to feel anxious about not having enough food for everyone. I went into our small office and asked the Lord to please multiply the food for our dinner gathering. That day, I was overwhelmed with the feeling that God had truly answered my specific prayer and provided abundantly for our group of friends.
The prophet Elijah was an obedient and courageous servant of the Lord. He stood between God and Israel’s worst king, Ahab (1 Kings 16:30). King Ahab married Jezebel, a Sidonian princess and Ba’al worshipper. Together, they committed many evil acts against the Lord’s law and the people of Israel. Ahab built a temple and an altar to Ba’al. He followed his wife and began to worship this false god (1 Kings 6:32-33).
The Lord’s anger was intensely stirred against this wicked king. He sent Elijah to deliver a message of judgment to King Ahab.
Now Elijah, who was from Tishbe in Gilead, told King Ahab, “As surely as the Lord, the God of Israel, lives—the God I serve—there will be no dew or rain during the next few years until I give the word!”
- 1 Kings 17:1
God then told Elijah to go live in a ravine east of the Jordan River. He would drink water from the Brook Kerith, and God would send ravens to feed him each day. After the brook dried up, the Lord had another plan for his provision and care.
Certainly, many needy widows were in Israel during Elijah’s time, when the skies were shut for three and a half years and a severe famine struck the land. Yet Elijah was not sent to any of them. Instead, he was sent to a foreigner—a widow in Zarephath, in the land of Sidon.
- Luke 4:25-26
For this is what the Lord God of Israel says, “The bowl of flour shall not be exhausted, nor shall the jar of oil be empty, until the day that the Lord sends rain on the face of the earth.”
- 1 Kings 17:14
Elijah told her not to worry but to follow his instructions. This widow went home, baked a small loaf, and gave it to Elijah. Her faith was rewarded with a daily supply of flour and oil until the drought ended.
Would you use the last bit of flour and oil in your kitchen to make a small loaf for someone you just met at the village well? Her faith and act of obedience brought God’s provision, comfort, and care. The Lord also strengthened Elijah’s faith during these years of drought. There was always enough!
And she went right off and did it, did just as Elijah asked. And it turned out as he said—daily food for her and her family. The jar of meal didn’t run out, and the bottle of oil didn’t become empty: God’s promise fulfilled to the letter, exactly as Elijah had delivered it!
- 1 Kings 17:15-16
Head to Heart
Thought to Ponder: The young widow’s pantry shelves were not overflowing with food. But each day, she had enough flour and oil to make bread for the prophet Elijah and her family. One day at a time. One step at a time. His provision is always enough.
Take a moment to reflect on the Lord’s provision for your needs. Here are some powerful truths from God’s Word to guide your meditation.
With reverence and awe, I will seek the Lord and His provision.
Fear the Lord, you His godly people, for those who revere Him will have all they need. Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the Lord will lack nothing good.
- Psalm 34:9-10
When I am weak, I will trust the Lord to be my help and strength.
The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust Him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.
- Psalm 28:7
When fear starts to overwhelm my emotions, I will remember He is with me.
Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.
- Isaiah 41:10
In times of trouble, He is my strong refuge.
The Lord is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in Him.
- Nahum 1:7
The Lord is my source of hope and confidence.
“But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence.
- Jeremiah 17:7
Our sovereign Lord is eternal.
Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock.
- Isaiah 26:4
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Thank you for reading. It is my passion to study God's Word and share His Truth with others. My heart is delighted to hear you have been encouraged today! May the Lord bless you.
This reminder of God’s provision is what I needed to hear today. I thank him for always providing all I need not only physical needs but spiritual and emotional each day. A great passage and encouraging words Brenda, thank you.