October 1, 2015 – I Kings 17::10-11

So he (Elijah) went to Zarephath. As he arrived at the gates of the village, he saw a widow gathering sticks, and he asked her, “Would you please bring me a little water in a cup?” As she was going to get it, he called to her, “Bring me a bite of bread, too.” But she said, “I swear by the Lord your God that I don’t have a single piece of bread in the house. And I have only a handful of flour left in the jar and a little cooking oil in the bottom of the jug. I was just gathering a few sticks to cook this last meal, and then my son and I will die.” I Kings 17:10-12This is next chapter in how God cares for Elijah, and He cares for us!  His plan is to ask a widow lady with enough for one meal to feed him?  Why didn’t God choose a rich man to feed Elijah?  Or why didn’t God just send rain on the land?Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways! – Romans 11:33.   God’s ways are awesome, all we need to do is listen, follow and obey.  The widow did not understand why Elijah came to her.  She was ready to die with her son, for lack of food.  Even for her — God had a plan — to live and not to die.Why did Elijah say make the bread and give me some first?  We always thank God for His gifts and blessings first — we give our offerings to Him first.  This shows our faith is real.  The widow could have said, go on down the street to the Rich Man’s House, and get some food there.  He will have plenty of food.  We just want to eat and die.But the widow lady believed and obeyed Elijah.  This is the same way we can live, being generous and thankful for what we have.  For it comes from God Himself.Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.  I Thessalonians 5:18But Elijah said to her, “Don’t be afraid! Go ahead and do just what you’ve said, but make a little bread for me first. Then use what’s left to prepare a meal for yourself and your son. 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!” I Kings 17:13-14