“Give us day by day our daily bread.” (Luke 11:3)
A little water and a morsel of bread. That is all the prophet Elijah asked from the widow woman. A simple request, but it was not an easy one to fulfill. Times were worse than difficult; they were desperate.
Because of drought and famine, food was scarce. All the widow had left was a scant handful of flour and a little oil. It was only enough to bake a small cake for her son and herself. Their resources were gone, and soon they would die from starvation.
Elijah did not stop at this home by accident. God had provided very specific instructions on where to go and what to say. Although the circumstances looked bleak, God was up to something good.
Elijah reassured the woman.
“Do not fear; go and do as you have said, but make me a small cake from it first, and bring it to me; and afterward make some for yourself and your son.” (I Kings 17:13, NKJV)
FAITH FOR EACH DAY
Elijah’s request required faith from the widow. If she fed the man of God first, would there be anything for her and her son to eat? Could she trust his words? Could she trust God to provide food? She did as the prophet instructed and, yes, there was enough for all three to eat. Not just that day but every day until the Lord again send rain upon the land
Every day when the woman reached for the flour and the oil, there was still enough for that day. Scripture does not tell us that God sent barrels of flour and bottles of oil. Her kitchen probably looked just as empty as the day Elijah first arrived, but there was always “just enough.”
“The bin of flour was not used up, nor did the jar of oil run dry, according to the word of the LORD which He spoke by Elijah.” (I Kings 17:16, NKJV)
DON’T WORRY
It’s easy to worry, especially when times are difficult. The bank balance may be sliding toward zero, the gas indicator in the car is hovering just above empty, and the pantry shelves are looking bare. Somehow the money stretches. Philippians 4:19 promises us that, “God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Many times His provision comes in unexpected ways. It is during these difficult times that our trust in God grows.
God provides for us in so many ways beyond just food and shelter.
- We receive fresh mercy each morning. (Lamentations 3:22-23)
- His grace abounds toward us. (II Corinthians 9:8)
- His love never fails. (I Corinthians 13:8)
- He forgives our iniquities and heals our diseases (Psalm 103:3)
This list is far from complete. Each day we live, God offers us so many blessings. Do we acknowledge His goodness? Do we thank Him for His faithfulness? Or do we spend our time fretting and worrying over every problem and inconvenience?
Right now, instead of worrying, let us focus on how God promised to supply our needs for this day. The flour bin is not empty and there’s still some oil in the bottle. There’s no need to worry about tomorrow because God is faithful every day.
“Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ . . . For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matthew 6:31-33, NKJV)
Whatever your situation, clear your mind of worry and trust God to meet your needs today. He knows what you need, and He promises to always be faithful.
PRAYER: Thank You, Lord for providing for me again today. Even when I am surrounded by trouble and cannot see my way through, I know I can rely on Your promises. You are with me and will supply my needs each day. You have never broken a promise, and You never will.
Devotion by Mary Loudermilk
