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Trusting God to Provide

“Then the word of the Lord came to him: ‘Go at once to Zarephath in the region of Sidon and stay there. I have directed a widow there to supply you with food.’ So, he went to Zarephath. When he came to the town gate, a widow was there gathering sticks. He called to her and asked, ‘Would you bring me a little water in a jar so I may have a drink?’ As she was going to get it, he called, “And bring me, please, a piece of bread.’ ‘As surely as the Lord your God lives,’ she replied, ‘I don’t have any bread – only a handful of flour in a jar and a little olive oil in a jug. 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.’ Elijah said to her, ‘Don’t be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. But first make a small loaf of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son. 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 sends rain on the land.’ 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.”¹

This passage of Scripture has always been one of my favorites to read. It is a story that inspires hope and, to be honest, who doesn’t love a happy ending, right? But if you read closely, you realize that there are a couple of key points to learn from here.

Obedience. When following Christ, we will always have a choice whether we choose to obey or not. In today’s story we see obedience from Elijah when the Lord tells him to go to Zarephath, and we also see obedience from the widow when Elijah says to make him a small loaf of bread first, and then make some for herself and her son. This act of obedience on their part leads to the fulfillment of God’s word to Elijah.

Trust. As a parent, I can only imagine what this widow must have been feeling knowing the small amount of food she had left, and then being asked to give a portion away first. She believed she and her son were going to die! However, when Elijah shares with her what the Lord had told him, she chooses to trust his word and obey. Everything was out of her control, but her choice to trust what the Lord had said leads to endless provision for her and her family.

We are all called to trust and obey God daily. Whether it be with our finances, problems, relationships, our children, work, etc., God wants us to give Him all of it. He sees all the different pieces to our puzzle (life) and knows what comes next. God is faithful, and will provide what we need, when we need it, but do we trust him enough to do what he is asking of us? Are we willing to let go and allow him to work? Many times, we forget that God has not changed. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He can continue doing all that he once did. The question is, are we willing to do our part and trust Him?

Suggested prayer: Dear God, You are all knowing, all powerful, Almighty and faithful. You do not change and keep your promises. I ask that like Elijah and the widow, you would allow me to trust and obey you, especially when I can’t see what’s next, knowing that you are with me and can do far more than I can imagine in any situation I may be facing. You are for me, not against me. I choose to trust that You will provide what I need when I need it. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus’ name, amen.

1. 1 Kings 17:8-16 (NIV).

Today's Encounter was written by: Crystal B.