PROVIDENTIAL PROVISION
"For this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: There will always be flour and olive oil left in your containers until the time when the LORD sends rain and the crops grow again!" So she did as Elijah said, and she and Elijah and her family continued to eat for many days. There was always enough flour and olive oil left in the containers, just as the LORD had promised through Elijah.
1 Kings 17:14-16 (NLT)
There's a story about a single mother who lost her job and struggled to make ends meet. With just a few dollars left, she worried about how she would feed her children. That night, she prayed for God's provision, unsure of what to do next. The following morning, she found a basket of groceries on her doorstep with a note that said, God provides. Tears filled her eyes as she realized God had heard her cry and provided for her needs.
This story mirrors the experience of the widow in Zarephath. With just a handful of flour and a bit of oil, she was preparing what she thought would be her last meal for herself and her son. Then, the prophet Elijah arrived, asking for water and bread. Despite her dire situation, she obeyed Elijah's request, trusting his assurance that God would provide.
True to His word, God miraculously kept her flour and oil from running out, not just for one meal but many days. His provision was not only physical but also spiritual, as the widow's faith grew through this divine intercession. He is Jehovah Jireh—the LORD who provides!
Often, God's provision comes when we least expect it and in ways we don't anticipate. It might be through a kind word, an unexpected gift or an opportunity that appears out of nowhere. Just as He did for the widow, God sees our needs and steps in to provide, sometimes in miraculous ways.
APPLICATION: If you're facing a situation where resources are scarce, trust in God's provision. Offer what you have—whether it's time, talent, or resources— and watch how He multiplies it. Seek opportunities to be a vessel of God's provision for others, just as He may use them to bless you. Remember, God is faithful and will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory.
PRAYER: Thank You, Lord, for how You have provided in the past. Help me to trust that You will continue to provide all the days of my life. In Jesus' name, amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?