Oil and Water

So she proceeded to do according to the word of Elijah. Then the woman, Elijah, and her household ate for many days. The flour jar did not become empty, and the oil jug did not run dry, according to the word of the LORD He had spoken through Elijah. ~1 Kings 17:15-16 HCSB

There was a great famine in the land because of the people’s sin.  A widow was collecting sticks to build a fire to cook the last of the flour and oil she had.  She was at the end, her and her son expected to die afterwards.  Elijah led by the Lord is told to look for her and she would provide for him.  Elijah tells her to give him some water and something to eat.  Imagine the thought going through the widow’s mind, this is all I have Lord and you are asking me to give it away to a man I do not know!  Elijah assures her and she does what he asks.  To her amazement the jar of flour and jug of oil didn’t go dry and they ate for many days!  

Have you ever been in a place when you have given all you have and God ask you for little more.  Many times in life we will reach our limits, finances, relationships, our jobs, or our teenagers will push us to the brink.  It is during these times God uses the opportunity to build our faith.  God will never waste an opportunity to grow those who are in Him.  He will ask more to push you into a position of dependence on Him alone.  Submitting our lives to a God we cannot see, takes great faith, especially with a situation that is extremely personal.  God wants us to rely on Him, to trust Him with every situation.  

The widow was expecting to die, not only was she going to lose her life but her son’s life.  She was expecting to watch her son die.  I cannot think of a more desperate position for a parent.  God knew this and asked her to give what little comfort she had left only to build her faith.  She could not take the credit for the miracle.  Elijah could not take credit for the flour and oil not running out.  Neither expected God to provide the way He did.  Both could only praise God and give Him all the glory!!    

Lord build our faith!  Use every opportunity to build our trust in you.  Help us to follow you wholeheartly in everything we do.  Lord use us to encourage those around us to trust you with everything.  Lord may you be glorified in everything we do!! Amen.