Daily Provision

“And the barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake by Elijah.” I Kings 17:16

After checking her cupboard and realizing that there was only enough meal and oil to prepare a cake for her and her son, the unnamed widow went outside to gather some sticks to make a fire. A stranger approached her and asked her for a drink of water. She went willingly to get it for him. As she was going, he asked her to bring him food as well. She told him her situation, that she had only enough to fix the last meal for her son. He told her not to fear, for the God of Israel would supply her needs.

Without hesitation, she went to do as he asked, brought him a drink of water, and began to make the cake for him first. Even though she did not understand she believed what Elijah had told her, trusting that God would supply her need. It happened just as he had told her, when she looked again there was enough oil and meal to prepare for her and her son. Not only did they eat that day, but for many days until the rain came.

She willingly gave all that she had, and her faith was rewarded. The Bible does not give us her name, but her act of generosity and kindness lives on as a great lesson for us. What a fitting example this story is of how God prepares the way before us. In verse 9, God told Elijah: “I have commanded a widow woman to sustain you.”. God had prepared her heart so that she was willing to give all that she had without question.

We can learn great lessons from this unnamed widow. She was generous and hospitable. She put the need of others before her own. She proved that you cannot outgive the Lord. She gave all that she had. As the cost of groceries rises in our land, we should be so thankful that we have food in our cupboards. If God has blessed us, we should look for opportunities to give to those who may not have what we have. Let us ask the Lord to speak to us and direct us to those in need.

You may be struggling to feed your family today. If you will trust the Lord and ask Him to provide for you, He will speak to someone and direct them to help you.

Philippians 4:19 “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

Prayer: Jesus we are thankful for the way that you supply our needs. Help us to trust you to meet all our needs, and to share your blessings with others who are not so fortunate,

Devotion by Anne Johnston