Read the Word:
1 Kings 17:8-16
Meditate on the Word:
Things were very bad, indeed. King Ahab was leading the people of Israel into false worship. In fact, he was actively defying the God of Israel by not only worshipping a false god, but by building a temple to this false god (Baal). He also deliberately built an Asherah pole, a place to worship the goddess Asherah. One does not accidentally build monuments to false gods. King Ahab went so far in his rebellion as to have Heil build Jericho, which God had specifically forbade in the time of Joshua. Again, this was not accidental. So God withheld rain from the land and crops did not grow.
Of course, even when things are at their worst, at their most desperate, that is when God shows up for those who worship Him. It is interesting that Elijah is commanded to go to this specific widow in a place that is a center of idolatry. She had to have been a worshipper of God, because He is recorded as commanding her to provide for Elijah. Even more, she says, “As the Lord your God lives.” Even as she is preparing to fix a last meal for her son and herself, she shares with the man of God. Through this simple act of obedience, God shows up for her.
Three years is a long time for a flour jar and an oil jug to not run empty. This famine was extended and it was hard. Yet, God c0ntinued to provide. He never neglects to show up for those who love Him. Let us remember that no matter how bad things become, that God will always show up for His people.
Pray the Word:
Pray for the wisdom to see God’s provision in whatever situation you are facing today.
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