What can we learn about faith from the widow's experience in 1 Kings 17? Setting the Scene 1 Kings 17 describes a drought-stricken land. Elijah meets a widow gathering sticks and asks for water and bread. Her resources are down to a “handful of flour” and a “little oil.” Yet she shares first with the prophet, and verse 16 records the miracle: “The jar of flour was not exhausted and the jug of oil did not run dry, according to the word of the LORD that He had spoken through Elijah.” The Faith Prompted by a Small Step of Obedience • The widow hears, “Do not be afraid. First make me a small cake…” (v. 13). • Her initial act—giving a tiny meal—is all God asks before He multiplies. • Comparable moments: – John 6:9: a boy offers five loaves and two fish; Jesus feeds thousands. – Luke 5:5–6: Peter casts the net “at Your word” and hauls in a great catch. • Lesson: Faith often begins with one simple, trusting yes in response to God’s word. Faith Tested in Scarcity • Everything visible says, “There isn’t enough.” • God chooses impossible settings so His sufficiency shines. • Philippians 4:19 echoes the principle: “And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Faith Sustained by God’s Word • The miracle continues “according to the word of the LORD.” • Faith rests not on feelings or sight but on the reliability of what God has spoken. • Romans 10:17: “So faith comes by hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” Faith That Blesses Others • Her obedience sustains Elijah, herself, and her son—a household provision. • Genesis 12:2 shows the pattern: blessed to be a blessing. • Our faith choices ripple far beyond us. Faith and the Character of God • God reveals Himself as: – Provider in famine. – Keeper of promises. – Aware of individual struggles—He notices a nameless widow in Zarephath. • Hebrews 13:8: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” The God of flour and oil remains unchanged. Connecting Threads Across Scripture • Matthew 6:33: “Seek first the kingdom of God… and all these things will be added.” The widow sought God’s directive first, and daily needs followed. • 2 Corinthians 5:7: “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” She bakes bread while the jar still looks empty. • Psalm 37:25: “I have not seen the righteous forsaken… or his children begging bread.” The story is a living illustration. Personal Takeaways • No resource is too small when placed in God’s hands. • Faith may look risky, yet God’s word is the surest ground. • Daily trust invites daily provision—flour and oil “day after day” (v. 15). • Our obedience can sustain more lives than we imagine. |
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