God is Faithful to Provide

And Elijah said to her, “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.
For thus says the LORD God of Israel: ‘The bin of flour shall not be used up, nor shall the jar of oil run dry, until the day the LORD sends rain on the earth.’” 1 Kings 17:13-14 NKJV

Key points

• Elijah’s words to the widow, though seemingly absurd, invite the widow to trust in God’s hidden promises.
• God can provide through unexpected means, and our faith in His promises opens doors to blessings.
• Listen to ‘Elijah’ Real Hope series and others on the Hope 103.2 app, at Real Hope | The Podcast or wherever you get your podcasts.
• Hear more from Heidi at Hopeful Reflections with Heidi Wysman.

In 1 Kings 17:8-16, God commands Elijah to go to Zarephath, where a widow will feed him.

Upon arrival, Elijah finds the widow preparing for her own death due to a lack of food.

Yet the God of Israel, known for feeding the hungry and raising the dead, intervenes once again.

Elijah tells her not to fear, but first to make him a little cake, and afterwards to make something for herself and her son (v. 13).

Elijah’s words to the widow, though seemingly absurd, invite the widow to trust in God’s hidden promises.

His words, though seemingly absurd, invite the widow to trust in God’s hidden promises.

He assures her that despite the drought, God promises provision for her and her son.

Elijah’s request for the widow to share her last bit of food might seem selfish, but it carries a message of hope and trust in God’s provision.

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Miraculously, the flour and oil do not run out, providing sustenance throughout the famine.

God can provide through unexpected means, and our faith in His promises opens doors to blessings.

This story reminds us that God can provide through unexpected means, and our faith in His promises opens doors to blessings.

Like the widow, we are sometimes called to step out in faith and give what we have, even when it seems too little.

When we trust in God, He multiplies our resources, proving that His provision never fails.

Listen to this episode of Real Hope | The Podcast in the player above, on the Hope 103.2 app or wherever you get your podcasts.

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Feature image: Photo by CanvaPro

Series written by Heidi Wysman

Originally published as Elijah – The Widow at Zarephath