A WIDOW PROVIDES
“Then the word of the Lord came to him, saying, “Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and dwell there. See, I have commanded a widow there to provide for you.””
(I Kings 17:8-9 NKJV)
- When God speaks, don’t expect it to make sense to your natural senses.
- God was sending Elijah to travel northeast about a 100 miles to the Phoenician city of Zarephath.
- Zarephath was Gentile territory and not too far from Jezebel’s home city of Sidon.
- Elijah would be living in enemy territory!
- Even more, he was told to live with a widow whom God had selected to care for him.
- Widows were usually among the neediest people in the land.
- Widows cannot protect you!
- So, what does Elijah say to this poor widow?
- He asks her for a drink and some bread.
- Here is her response, “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.”
- Wait a second, this story may not be just about Elijah!
- Perhaps God wants to do something far beyond anything Elijah could have imagined.
- Whenever you feel weak and insignificant, God wants you to know that He sees you!
- Not only does he see you, but He has a plan to save you and build your faith!
- For this widow, He sent His own personal prophet, 100 miles, just to turn her situation around and give her Hope!
- Is this your same God? I hope so!
- Because, this tells me that there is no situation that is too bad or hopeless that God cannot intervene and turn it around!
- He is our God who loves to demonstrate His strength in the weakest and most desperate people.
- 1 Corinthians 1:27 says, “God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.”
- That is exactly what God is doing here.
- He chose the weakest woman to provide for His prophet just to show us that He can use any person in any situation, at any time to fulfill His plans!
- It not about us!
- It’s about God doing the impossible in and through us!
- Verse 15 shows us that when the widow did what Elijah told her to do, “There was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family.”
- Not, just one meal, but, Every Day!
- When you obey, God will supply your need, Every Day!
- Philippians 4:19 says, “My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
- So, no matter how bad your situation is, don’t give up!
- Don't quit!
- God’s not done with you!
- Actually, God is just beginning!
- All He needs is a little faith in who He is, and what he can do and you will see the impossible become possible!
- Have a great Wednesday!
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