Like in the life of the widow of Zarephath, opportunity knocks at some of the seemingly most inopportune times in our lives. If opportunity finds us walking in a victims mentality we risk missing out.
Because of the victim mentality in the widow, Elijah had to say do not be afraid.
When we are in a season of lack, we know all too well what do not have. We begin to wonder where the money will come from to pay the next bill, buy the next meal, etc. Where will we get the energy to do this or that. I do not have the talent, etc.
Giving of ourselves, our time, and our resources is a means of demonstrating our trust in God. It is magnified when we do so out of what appears to be our lack.
This is the only way that Paul’s statement, “in my weakness He is made strong,” makes any sense at all.
God never just leaves us hanging with no where to turn for help. Elijah didn’t just leave the widow hanging on bring me a cake first. He gave her words to believe in.
"For thus says the LORD God of Israel: ‘The bin of flour shall not be used up, nor shall the jar of oil run dry, until the day the LORD sends rain on the earth.’"
This poor widow was not asked to give what she could not give. God was willing to work with what little she had. We can only give whatever it is we have, however little, or much it happens to be. If she had refused to feed Elijah, the flour and oil would have run out. Her words would have become a self fulfilling prophecy.
It is not the size or the magnitude of what we bring that pleases God, it is the faith to bring whatever we are asked to, simply because we trust Him.
I mentioned the gifts at the beginning of this story. How does this widow woman and her lack of provisions play into the gifts?
It teaches us a principle to live by. She could only bring what she had at that moment and time. The same is true with regard to the gifts the Holy Spirit has given to each of us. We must begin with an obedience in the smallest way until it matures into an obedience in larger ways.
About The Author
- Tim Atchley
- Knoxville, Tennessee, United States
- I currently serve as Senior Pastor of Harvest Church in Knoxville, Tn. I was sent out from Trinity Chapel of Knoxville in 1993 accompanied by my wife Sheila our four children Sarah, Hannah, Josiah & Isaac and a handful of bold, brave and committed believers determined to plant our first church. Pioneering is hard work but well worth the journey. That is why we desire to make disciples of Christ who will, like us, also embrace the call to plant churches.
