1 Kings 17:13 Elijah said to her, "Don't be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. But first, make a small cake of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son.
This is such a great story where God uses an impoverished widow, to provide for the great prophet.
There is a famine in the land. And famines affect everyone, even the man of God. So God tells Elijah:
1 Kings 17:9 "Go at once to Zarephath of Sidon and stay there. I have commanded a widow in that place to supply you with food."
Now if this were me, I would be thinking that this lady is the widow of a very rich man and she now oversees a wealthy estate. So Elijah meets the widow and asks for some water and food. The widow replies:
1 Kings 17:12 "As surely as the LORD your God lives," she replied, "I don't have any bread — only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it — and die."
“Whoops!... I’m sorry madam, I must have the wrong widow…” is what I would be thinking!
How can this be the widow God has commanded to provide for me? But Elijah doesn’t think like this. He understands how God operates.
Man looks to the wealthy, but God looks to the widow.
Elijah replies to the widow:
1 Kings 17:13 Elijah said to her, "Don't be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. But first, make a small cake of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son.
In this story we see God performing a powerful miracle of provision. God not only meets the needs of the prophet, but He provides an abundance for this widow and her son throughout the duration of the entire famine!
See the three keys in this story and believe God for provision in your own life:
1. God is your Source – You will always see God’s Supply when you see Him as your Source. Don’t see your job, skills or inheritance as your source – always look to God.
2. Giving is your step of Faith in God – Many people think I cannot afford to give. But the truth is you cannot afford not to give. Giving activates faith that receives from God's grace.
3. Seek God First – The widow gave to God’s prophet first. Jesus said “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” and all these things shall be added to you.
All three principles of the Kingdom operate through rest. Don’t stress and worry or doubt, just rest and see the grace of Jesus abundantly flowing into your life effortlessly.