In what ways can we trust God during our own "famine" experiences? Key Verse “ For this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘The jar of flour shall not be exhausted and the jug of oil shall not run dry until the day the LORD sends rain on the land.’ ” Setting the Scene • Israel is in the grip of a literal drought. • Elijah stands on God’s word and delivers an impossible promise to a widow whose cupboard is already bare. • God’s faithfulness, not human resources, moves the story forward. What Famine Looks Like Today • Empty bank accounts, shrinking paychecks, or job loss. • Emotional barrenness—loneliness, disappointment, deferred dreams. • Spiritual dryness—prayers feel unanswered, Scripture seems silent. Whatever form it takes, a famine season confronts us with the same question the widow faced: “Can I trust God when I have nothing left?” Why We Can Trust God • His character never changes—“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). • He delights in providing during famine—Psalm 37:18-19; Psalm 33:18-19. • He owns the supply—“The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof” (Psalm 24:1). • He has a flawless track record: – Joseph safeguarding Egypt (Genesis 41-47). – Isaac reaping a hundredfold in famine (Genesis 26:1-12). – Jesus feeding thousands with five loaves and two fish (Matthew 14:13-21). Practical Ways to Trust God During Famine • Feed on Scripture daily – “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). – Copy, memorize, and speak promises like Philippians 4:19 and Matthew 6:33. • Obey even small instructions – The widow gave her last handful of meal first (1 Kings 17:13-15). – Obedience positions us for God’s intervention. • Practice generous giving – “One gives freely, yet gains even more” (Proverbs 11:24). – Generosity declares faith that God will refill the jar. • Refuse fear; cultivate thanksgiving – “Do not worry about tomorrow” (Matthew 6:34). – Gratitude shifts focus from lack to the Giver. • Lean on the body of Christ – Famine is rarely weathered alone (Acts 11:27-30). – Share needs and bear burdens together (Galatians 6:2). Encouraging Biblical Snapshots • Elijah & the widow (1 Kings 17:7-16): Supply renewed daily, not all at once. • Ruth & Naomi (Ruth 1-4): God used a famine-induced move to graft Ruth into Messiah’s line. • Early believers (Acts 11:27-30): God provided through the generosity of distant brothers and sisters. Promises to Hold Tight • “They will not be disgraced in times of adversity; in days of famine they will be satisfied.” Psalm 37:19 • “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33 • “My God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 • “God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things, at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:8 Closing Encouragement Famine seasons expose the limits of our own jars and jugs, yet they showcase the limitless faithfulness of God. As we stand on His unchanging word, obey His promptings, and remain open-handed with whatever we have left, we discover that the same Lord who sustained Elijah’s widow still keeps flour from running out and oil from running dry—until His rain of provision falls again. |
    |