The story of Elijah has held a certain intrigue for me for many years. God sends a hungry prophet to a destitute widow to ask her for a meal.
The widow is gathering sticks for her, and her son’s final meal. It’s not that she is simply out of groceries there is a famine in the land food is scarce. She is out of options and God sends to her a hungry prophet. As Elijah shows up in her city he asks her for a drink of water, and to bring him a cake; in her hand. It was a test of obedience, to what seemed an absurd request. Why should she feed the prophet when she and her son were in desperate need? Why does God ask us to give when it seems we have so little to offer? He knows that as we obey in little things He will use us in greater things.
Many times we wait for the BIG opportunity to serve God. God does not work things our way, His ways are foreign to our ways.
God asks a widow to give her last meal. Why you may ask? Because her small act of obedience paved the way to God supply her need.
She trusted, that by giving their last meal she would be blessed. The prophet told her if she obeyed she would have her food need met.
Recently I had a bill coming due. The bill was created as a step of faith following God’s leading. In order to pay for the bill I sold some items. Every time some extra money would come into my hands …sigh of relief, Now I can pay that bill. Each time, however, God would prompt me to put it in the offering or give it away. It was becoming discouraging! As the due date for the bill approached, my faith was getting shaky. Why God, did you give me the money and then ask me to give it away?
Just days before the bill was due. God provided in a very unexpected way. The money for the bill came in the mail, cash, for $3.00 above the needed amount. It was a totally unexpected source. God works that way, He says, what is in your hand? Then He asks us to give what is in our hands. Sometimes like the widow; giving takes us to our last “meal”. God knows exactly what we need. He tries us and tests our faith. God has repeated this over several months each month the bill is larger. Even now I’m in, a wait-and-see, how God will provide. Faith is a journey that never ends until we reach HOME. Each small act only calls on a bigger act of faith. I can tell you we serve a great God. When He asks you to give what’s in your hand, it’s a test. Can we trust Him to keep His word? Is He faithful? Yes! We can trust Him. He is faithful! So whatever “crazy”, “it makes no sense,” leap of faith God is calling you to, trust Him. If you know the Savior and you walk with Him, He will lead you on the most amazing faith journey.
So I, wait and see how God will provide for the current need. It’s exciting and nerve-wracking. One thing I know for sure He is faithful. Where God guides He provides.
Blessings, to you.
Take a God-led leap of faith and watch an amazing God at work. No regrets!
About the author:
My husband, children, and I live on a small farm near Richland Center, Wisconsin.
I am a mom of three children, whom I homeschool. Photography coupled with scripture is a favorite pastime; our farm is the subject of much of my photography. I am a homebody at heart, but really enjoy people.
Due to still having some southern accent, people ask, “Where are you from?” To which I usually laugh. I’ve lived in Colorado, Kansas, Texas, Brazil, Tennessee, and now, Wisconsin. I have a Southern accent due to working closely with a very southern girl in Tennessee. (I picked up her accent.) I don’t know where I am “from” but without a doubt, I know where I’m going – Heaven.
I really enjoy writing and pray it will bless, and challenge you.
~ Lynell K.