Widow of Zarepath: Walk by Faith

Read:

1 Kings 17:15-16 “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.”

Think:

This widow, knowing that she only had a little oil and a little flour, took Elijah – and God – at his word and “did as Elijah had told her.” She offered what little resources she had, knowing this man of God, an Old Testament representative of God himself, had promised her that she and her son would always have food to eat.

How often are we unwilling to do the same? Most of us struggle, knowing the limitations of what we have and what we can do. We have trouble believing God can do infinitely more than we expect. We spend so much time focusing on ourselves that we forget to trust God and let him provide. Unlike us, the widow at Zarephath never questioned God’s promise through Elijah. She obeyed Elijah, showing greater faith than we often do.

The issue is how willing we are to trust and obey God because he’s sovereign. If we simply obey what he asks, he will handle the rest.

Apply:

What is God telling you to do that appears to be impossible or, as in the widow’s case, dangerous? Take some time to talk to God about it. Lay out your fears and worries, then go and do what he’s called you to do. He’ll take care of the rest.

Pray:

God, today I trust you with my worries and anxiety about my future, my family and my finances. I give them to you. I know you are good and want what is best for me and my loved ones. I believe your ways are higher! In Jesus’ name, Amen.