1 Kings 17:13-14
"Elijah said to her, "Don't be afraid... 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.'"
Elijah has to be one of the greatest Prophets from Israel known in the Bible. It was at this time he spoke for God during the time of King Ahab, one of the most corrupt kings in Israel's history. His wife, Jezebel, happened to be more corrupt than her husband. Elijah called out to Ahab and Jezebel to repent. God used Elijah as an instrument to confront the evil that had spread throughout the land before it was too late.
During this time God made a promise to a poor widow through Elijah. At the time Elijah met her she was in dire straights. She had enough oil and flour for one last meal. She had a son and the remainders in her jar showed her desperation. She had decided to make this one last meal and lay down and die at its conclusion. But, Elijah told her to use part of the flour and oil to make a small cake for him. Imagine the audacity! Being asked to use what little you have left to make a meal for a stranger. And yet, so often God calls us to do this very thing promising gifts when were through. We are required to help others no matter what our circumstances.
Elijah tells the widow if she does this and obeys God, he will intervene and ensure those jars are constantly full for the remainder of the famine. With a quizzical heart the widow took parts of what little she had left and served Elijah. And because of this God blessed her and the jars were full whenever she needed them.
When things look bleak, and you are at the end of your own rope, remember the widow. Remember that God will take care of your needs for survival. He may not bless you with excess riches, but he will take care of your basic needs. In order to have this promise you must be in a relationship with God and depend on him. It is he who has the resources and plans that are beyond your own comprehension. Remember, it is he who can turn water into wine. He can feed thousands with a few loaves and fish. He worked mysteriously allowing that flour and oil to stay full in those jars. And he will do the same for you. It is your job to keep those lines of communication open. I know it can be difficult in this noisy world, but constant vigilance will ensure you are happy. He will lead and provide for you; all you have to do is ask and listen.
Father,
I ask that you meet my needs today
spiritually and materialistically.
Keep me in a kind relationship with you always.
Do miracles for me as you have done for the widow.
I trust in you, Amen.